The Liberi Fatali novella

[Alyada]

Liberi Fatali
A novella
By
Alyada
([email protected])

Wake from your sleep
My children
Your childhood years are gone
Wake from your sleep
Fated children
Your rest is gone

Aidyn
One
A Great Success

Benjamin Turst was a leader of the Republic of Bastok. He donated money to schools that varied in shape and size. He was found in the Galkan district, chatting with his fellow comrades, and stirring public gossip as he actively sought Galka equality in the republic. He married an Elvaan woman named Feowyn, and had adopted three children from the war orphanage. He was seen on the streets more than his office, talking with local adventurers and reminiscing about his days of adventure.

During his early teens he had led a party of warriors through the desolate land of Xarcabard, while the army pressed on the Shadow Lord’s castle. Fortunately, (or perhaps unfortunately), Benjamin and his crew stumbled into the lair of a dragon that had been corrupted by darkness. It’s life force depleted, the dragon barely resembled the stunning creature it had once been, and instead had been warped into a monster with no recollection of its past. It attacked Benjamin and his team in ferocity unmatched by anything he had seen before.

Benjamin was the only survivor of the battle. He was seen leaving the cave, but not without a prize. Using the last of his strength, Benjamin had stolen one of the teeth from the dragon.

Rumor has it that Benjamin took it to Norg, the pirate capital, and fashioned a blade of pure darkness with it. Benjamin denied all the rumors, stating that he survived the battle with luck and with the sacrifice of the brave soldiers he laid to rest that day.

Aidyn’s employer, however, knew otherwise.

Using the moonless night as cover, Aidyn slipped from the alleyways into the south side of Bastok, which was aptly named ‘Rich Man’s Corner.’ The air was stale and hot, only a hint of cold ocean air slipping through the cracks from Bastok’s port.

Houses were built on top of one another in Bastok, using the brick to create a seamless neighborhood interconnected with stone walls. This made every home easily accessible, and worked to Aidyn’s advantage.

It had been three days since he was contacted by the Tenshudo. They had broken into his apartment in Jeuno and left a note explaining the subject, the weapon, and the prize. Needless to say, Aidyn felt the reward was greater than the job warranted, but he wasn’t about to complain.

He hadn’t always been a thief. Once he had been a great Paladin, and the leader of the Jeuno Ducal Guard. He was well respected through the City-States, but that had changed one night—

There was so much screaming. He forced his blade into the gut of an Orc, its purple blood spilling out of the wound. An explosion erupted, crushing the autumn sky flames. Spinning, he wheeled his blade into another one of the beastmen. But he was the only one protecting the structure. Where had the others gone!? Where was she!
Someone’s scream pierced the night.
Aidyn turned.

Shaking the thought, he slowly clamored up another roof and looked off into the distance. A small haze had settled upon the rooftops. The smell of garbage hit his nostrils and he snorted. He consulted his map once again.

Benjamin Turst’s apartment was on the top of a structure, with a ladder leading to his front door from the street. Aidyn swiftly scaled the ladder and scanned the area below him. A lone adventurer clad in white armor strode past, but didn’t look up to catch Aidyn in his breaking and entering.

Snatching his tools, he set to work on the lock. The clouds that covered the moon moved, illuminating the slumbering neighborhood with a purple glow.

…snick…

His picking a success, Aidyn put his tools back in his pocket and opened the door. A blue radiance lightened the first room. Slipping from the door, he made his way towards the shadows in the back of the area. The room was an “L” shape, with a fireplace where the two walls met. Inside the hearth rested an ice crystal cluster, sending wave after wave of cold, misty air throughout the house.

Scanning the darkness, Aidyn quickly found what he was looking for. A bookshelf was positioned along the edge of the hallway, which lead into a few more rooms. A slumbering Benjamin snored, echoing throughout the apartment. Even more prominent men were forced to live in small and cramped quarters. Bastok was evolving and maturing, not to mention rising in population.

Stepping up to the bookshelf, Aidyn ran his finger across the books. He paced in front of it, seemingly lost in thought. The blue glow of the ice cluster mixed with the purple haze of the moon, the colors dancing upon Aidyn’s black clothing.

He smiled as a book caught his eye, and he pushed it into the mantelpiece. With an audible hiss, the bookshelf moved to the side, revealing a small alcove, and a few stairs. Grinning to himself, Aidyn took one step down--

“Kupo! What are you doing!?” Something squeaked from behind him. With his reflexes on edge, Aidyn spun around, his dagger cutting an arc through the air. A spray of liquid hit him as he saw a decapitated Moogle hit the ground with a loud thud. Benjamin’s housekeeper, no doubt. The Moogle’s wings fluttered and twitched as its spirit left the body and returned to the heavens, or whatever awaited a Moogle after death.

Aidyn sheathed his dagger, and stepped down the stairs. He entered into a storage room, something he didn’t see from the outside structure. The space was dark, and something felt wrong about it. Picking out a fire crystal from his pocket, Aidyn used his own inner thoughts to set the fire alight, casting a warm glow over everything in the room. He saw it, the blade of darkness, sitting upon a mantle. It was a samurai sword, curved in both handle and blade, with a black sheath and an ivory hilt.

He sensed something. A shuddering in the crystal told him someone was trying to turn off the flame, trapping him in darkness again. He quickly his hand to his blade, and scanned the room. Seeing nothing, he moved towards the sword. Again, he felt as if he was being watched and scanned the room with the crystal again. This time, however, the light shined on a piece of metal, up on the wall. He made his way over towards the reflecting metal, and slowly it took shape. Through the shadows, Aidyn looked up to see a pair of yellow eyes and a toothy grin staring back at him. Something had positioned itself on the corner of the ceiling, using the walls to keep itself up.

Aidyn was lightning quick with his blade, and as the creature leapt from Its hiding place to another dark corner of the room. Aidyn’s fire crystal fell from his hand to the stone floor, shattering into a thousand pieces as it connected, leaving him enveloped in darkness again.

He felt the creature moving throughout the room. Passing him, It offered only a faint sigh as it glided in the darkness. He slashed the air, hoping to strike the creature accidentally. It passed him again and this time he caught a whiff of Its scent. It was something he remembered, a scent he knew.

Standing ridged, he waited for the creature to pass him again. Whatever It was, It was toying with him. Waiting for the right moment to strike, but if Aidyn was right, It wouldn’t get the chance—there--

He snatched the air and his hand closed around a furry, yet soft muscle. The creature gave a soft yelp of surprise, and escaped his grasp.

A Mithra.

He raised his dagger, and lunged into the darkness. The Mithra was caught off guard as she brought her own katana to deflect his blade. He slashed down again, hard, and knocked her weapon to the ground. He raised his weapon again but only caught dead air. She’d disappeared again.

He turned amongst the darkness, searching for any sign of movement. Then something caught his eye, except it was too late. The Mithra leapt from the ceiling, digging her blade into his gut as a dug his into her shoulder.

Neither of them cried out in pain.

Aidyn could feel the blood seeping from his wound. She had struck him in a non fatal place, as he had done her, but if left untreated it would definitely be the end of him. He gritted his teeth, and managed to sputter something to her.

“What’s your name?” He asked.

She offered him a soft, but unapologetic tone, “Karihkinz.”

He removed his blade, fiercely, from her shoulder. She unsheathed hers from his gut and he fell to the ground. He heard her clamor for the blade of darkness, and silently whisk it off into the night. Through the darkness he smiled, she had left him alive. Seriously wounded, but alive.

“I still got it.” He whispered to himself, and fell unconscious.


Two
Butterflies in Hurricanes

Crawling out in to the dirty and sand blasted streets of Bastok covered in blood was the last thing Aidyn thought he would be doing. Using the last bit of his strength, he positioned himself to stand and limp towards his rented apartment. He passed none of the tireless adventurers that frequented the streets during the night. He should have been grateful for this, but in his bitter rage, he didn’t even take notice.

Twilight was giving away unto morning, as the first rays of the sun grasped the horizon. He slammed the door to his apartment and collapsed into bed.

“Mog mori!” His Moogle shouted, coming to his aid. Blood stained the covers of his bed, and he moaned.

“Kupo,” the Moogle shouted, “What should I do?”

“Call a White Mage, moron.” Aidyn sputtered, and closed his eyes for just a moment.

Hours later, he opened them to the smiling face of a Tarutaru. She was standing on his footstool, her child-like hands patting the final bandages on his shoulder. Her hair was green, and in two buns above her head. Her white robes fluttered off his footstool, giving her an angelic quality. Aidyn smiled,

“If I knew he was going to call you, I would’ve just bled to death.”

“Now, now,” she said, grinning. “I don’taru remember how many times I’ve patchy-watchy’d you up! But I’d gladly do it again!”

“Doc, you’re too good to me.” Aidyn said, sitting up and trying to move his shoulder.

“It should be good as new, butaru I’d be a little careful on it. No need to messy-wessy it up again!” She piped, and leapt down from the footstool, towards the door.

“Doc,” Aidyn said.

“Yes?” She said, turning.

“Do you know a Ninja named Karihkinz?” He asked, a little ashamed. Doc had been his sole confidant since his exile, and his run from Jeuno. She had found him dying near the shores of Valkurm, and had taken him to her clinic in Bastok. She found work for him, sometimes, but more often than not, gave him contacts.

She knew Aidyn wasn’t a good person, but she had hope. If sating his desire to cause chaos through theft would bring him back to his senses, she could only play along.

“She’s a shadow, Aidyn. A master of Utsusemi, and not a broad you want to deal with…” The Doc’s usual bright manor disappeared. This was a White Mage deep within the walls of the underworld, and with little hope of ever getting out. She had to be stern and hard, when she needed to be. Aidyn, however, wasn’t going to let her scare him.

“She caused this, I’d like to give her a thank you.” Aidyn said, his voice becoming a litter colder than usual. He stood up and walked to the window. It was mid afternoon. He had slept through the morning, and had lost a lot of time. His employer was not going to be happy when he found out that the blade of darkness was stolen by a rouge ninja.

“I’ll do whataru I can,” Doc answered, her voice distant. “She wouldn’t have wanted to see you like this, Aidyn. She would’ve wanted you to fight. You know, the resistance is still here—“

“Get out!” He shouted, and raised his hand to the tiny Tarutaru. Frowning, she turned away and left him alone to stew in his anger, and guilt.

His employer contacted him later that evening, before Aidyn had a chance to speak with Doc again.

He was sitting in his apartment, waiting for something to stir him from a silent daze, when he heard a knock on the door. He opened it to find a small Tarutaru clad in black robes.

“My master wishes to speak with you,” he stated.

“Hi Indelico. I assume it’s not good, either.”

“Nope, you’re probably going to want to bring a weapon.” Then he began casting a small spell, and Aidyn was smothered in dark light.

As soon as the darkness faded, Aidyn dodged a chair that had been tossed his way.

“What the fuck is this, Aidyn!?” Langly shouted, his booming voice echoing off the walls.

Langly Astiof was a man of principal, honor, and he had a short fuse. Already drunk off Rolanberry 867, Langly looked as if the vein on his forehead was about to explode. He wore his traditional button down aketon that was colored like the sky. He wore no weapons, but that meant that he had some concealed ones. Langly owned, operated, and bounced a bar in Port Jeuno. His business was his life, and he wanted to have the blade of darkness to use it against the other bars, and hopefully make a little profit off of it.

“I paid you a lot of money to get that damn sword, and what happen!” He shouted.

“I lost it?” Aidyn remarked, thinking that Langly’s last statement was a question. Unfortunately, Langly found Aidyn’s answer to be combative and tossed another chair his way. Dodging it, Aidyn smirked.

“You know, you’re going to ruin my establishment here. I want you to find that damn ninja and bring me her head on the blade of darkness!” Langly shouted, throwing a wooden mug Aidyn’s way.

“What surprises me is how you found out so fast.” Aidyn said, shaking his head.

“It’s all over the Vana’diel tribune you moron, now get out!” Langly screamed, and raised another chair over his head.

Aidyn made a quick escape, exiting through the back door heading towards the airship bound for Bastok.

So, his failure and her great success were all over the news. Stepping into the registration center for the airship, Aidyn was almost tackled by a Moogle.

“Kupo!” He shouted, thrusting a letter in Aidyn’s face. “I bring word from someone who calls herself Doc!”

“Good, now get lost you little freak.” Aidyn said, waving the Moogle away. Dejected, it floated back towards airship dock.

Opening the letter, Aidyn read the small Tarutaru’s hand writing and grinned.

Aidyn,

Word is a Mithra named Alyada Sharne is your new found friend’s next target. Alyada seems to be on the Grand Duke’s council, and is propositioning some very interesting projects for Jeuno. Right now she’s closer to the Duke than his brother, and that’s saying a lot.

Karihkinz has been elimitating council members, and Alyada is
heavily guarded in the Grand Duke’s house behind the top of Ru’lude Gardens. Tonight is the night she’s going to strike. Apparently, that’s why she needed the blade of darkness.

Good luck Aidyn, don’t get yourself killed.

-Doc

Smiling, Aidyn crumpled up the small letter and tossed it aside and headed towards the rentable apartments.

Three
Pushing the Sky

He’d only been alive for a few minutes at a time. Everything else was had been filler. It was like the instrumental between the vocals. She had been a goddess when she walked into his life. A brave warrior herself, she could cleave a monster in half with a simple flick of her wrist. She was beautiful. He adored her more than life itself. She had been pregnant with her their first child when the attack came. When he saw her taken from his life as quickly as she had come in.

Aidyn stood behind the pillar of the Grand Duke’s palace. A true sight to behold, the ivory marble glistened in the pale moonlight. Jeuno was built near the beginning of the first great war with the beastmen. Instead of building outwards, the entire city was built up into the sky. On top of that rested the palace and the gardens that the Duke proceeded over.

Self appointed, Kam’lanaut was the arch duke of Jeuno. He kept the city a free state and was the focal point of the unsteady treaty between the three kingdoms. While many didn’t trust him, he was acknowledged over the land as the benevolent leader of the united races.

She was fighting with two swords, trying to protect the children. She was like an angel, pushing the sky with her wings. She called out to Aidyn as he watched the rest of their troop march off into the distance. Only they remained to save the small outpost. It was raining in the marshlands, and a brigade of Orc’s had descended on them. The children had been part of a merchant vessel, and were now the only survivors.

Fighting valiantly, he watched as a monster stabbed its blade into her back. Her crimson entrails splashed into the green, wet earth. Screaming the last emotion he would ever have, Aidyn tried to rush to her side. The Orc grabbed him. Its blade sticking into him as his body went numb.
He remembered reaching…

From on top of the palace, Aidyn watched Alyada Sharne leave her guards and head towards the Arch Duke’s house, which was located directly behind the grand palace. He leapt from the structure and landed within some bushes. He was silent as he tried not to stir the foliage. He stopped within earshot of the Duke’s window, hearing fractured pieces of the conversation.

“But the last thing we need is another war on our hands,” the Duke said, his voice ambiguous and throaty.

“It may be inevitable, love. We can only wait and watch.” Alyada answered, her sultry voice echoing in Aidyn’s ears. He could see why men flocked to her.

“My scouts tell me that Beastmen are arising in the northlands, we may want to focus the city-states attention there.”

“Perfect for planting our own seeds of corruption and jealousy as they are distracted.” Alyada purred.

“Yes, which reminds me. I must speak with my brother about something, would you excuse me.” The Duke said, and Aidyn heard his footsteps echo the room.

Her voice was echoing in his mind. He could hear her screaming as they tortured her, and he wondered if he was next. Would their skulls adorn the Warchief’s belt, or would they be used as food?

He heard Alyada sigh as she sat down on the bed. Aidyn poked one of his eyes above the window sill, seeing what Alyada looked like.

She was a silver haired maiden, wearing a red chapeau that had one phoenix tail feather protruding out of the side. Her clothes were simple, fashionable, and politically charged. Her tabard was a spectacle of gold, red, and black. Her boots were well taken care of, and her gloves functioned as arm guards. She probably fought in that outfit, he thought.

“Are you going to hide all day?” She spoke. As she did, Aidyn ducked, but suddenly realized she wasn’t speaking to him. He heard a familiar, unapologetic voice sound through the darkness.

“I can’t have you interfering with my plans,” Karihkinz said. “you’re a danger to me, and the rest of the world.”

“You misjudge my actions, ninja.” Alyada answered, her tone swift and heavy. “I’m doing the same thing you’re doing, just taking a different route.”

“How could you know anything of the task I was charged with?” Karihkinz answered.

“Because I’ve done a lot of research on you, Karihkinz. I know of the resistance you and Iggman have been planning, and I know that you want me to join, or you will kill me.”

Aidyn had heard enough. He leapt through the open window, and rushed towards Karihkinz.

“What are you doing!?” Alyada shouted as Aidyn and Karihkinz’s blades connected. Using his other hand, he pulled a hidden knife from his left ankle and struck her in the thigh with it.

She did not cry out in pain, however. She was dressed in all black armor. It looked like it had been made from the shell of a scorpion, armored but flexible, allowing her little resistance in her movement. She flipped over him, dragging her blade across his back.

Grunting in frustration, Aidyn lunged at her, both of them knocking into the wall. Chaos erupted as Kam’lanaut returned from visiting his brother, screaming as to what was going on. Swiftly, Karihkinz knocked Aidyn off her and jumped to the ceiling. As she came down, she held the blade of darkness in her hand, and she threw it at Kam’lanaut.

The Arch Duke screamed in pain as blade connected.

He could hear her screaming then as they tortured her.

A dark energy erupted from the duke as he was sent sailing backwards out of the room. Alyada cursed and grabbed her rapier from the side of the bed, slashing at Karihkinz. The two Mithra were evenly matched in their maneuverability, but as they connected Aidyn noticed something happening to Alyada’s blade. Slowly, but surely, it began to catch flame. She struck Karihkinz across the shoulder, setting the mesh underneath her armor alight.

Stumbling backwards, the ninja pulled a small tool from her sheath and threw it at the ground. Smoked erupted from the tool, and Karihkinz leapt at Alyada and they both fell back.

That’s when they came. Doc and her group saved Aidyn, they had found the men who had left them for dead and brutally murdered them. Of course, they were too late. Just too fucking late to save her.

Aidyn raised himself from the ground and jumped in the fray. Using one hand, he fended off Alyada and Karihkinz from the attack. It was then that the Duke’s guards poured into the room. They pinned Karihkinz to the floor, casting bind spells as they went. Aidyn felt one of them smash hard into his back, knocking the wind out of him. He could hear Alyada ordering the guards to dispose of the two assassins, but he also heard something else. Alyada was saying something under her breath, something that Aidyn didn’t quite recognize.

“Oh shit!” He screamed, but it was too late. Alyada’s fire and wind spells set off in conjunction, so quick that no one had time to react. The Duke’s house exploded in a fury of flames and piercing wind. Aidyn felt himself floating and a sudden force of inertia brought him back to his senses.

Through his hazy vision, Aidyn watched as the water that surrounded Jeuno suddenly became very, very close to him.

She said she had loved him.

END AIDYN

Karihkinz
One
So Far Away

She coughed.

A few gasps of surprise sounded, and Karihkinz opened her eyes. She was in a semi-upright position, staring at the confused faces of adventurers and Ducal Guards. From what she could gather about the spaces between the people was that she had somehow landed in Lower Jeuno, possibly near the Auction House.

“Are you alright, ma’m?” A Galka asked, his huge frame looming over her.

This is when Karihkinz realize that she had not fallen near the Auction House, but had smashed through it. She immediately jumped to her feet, sheathing her blades and dusting herself off.

“I’m fine.” She answered, pushing the Galka’s away. She took a few steps and collapsed, her vision fading as she saw her husband, Aldo, rush towards her.

Coughing, again, Karihkinz pushed herself off of her bed. The room was dark, with only a sliver of moonlight passing through the windows. Someone had undressed her, and put her in a small nightgown. She turned to the other side of the bed to find Aldo missing from it.

Getting dressed, she made her way out of the secret Tenshudo headquarters, which was located in a fake Inn. Karihkinz had always questioned keeping a base so close to Kam’lanaut, but Aldo lived by the ‘keep your friends close, your enemies closer’ rule.

Making her way through the Inn she passed Cladius, acting guard of HQ, sleeping on the job. Grinning, she rushed back to her room and returned with a set of her ninja tools. She used a spell called Utsusemi to create a mirror image of Cladius sleeping, so the first thing he would wake up to was an image of himself staring back at him.

Repressing laughter, Karihkinz made her way outside to find Aldo sitting on the edge of Lower Jeuno, watching the sea. She sat down next to him, leaning on his shoulder.

“What now?” She asked. The sea sparkled as the waves tumbled into the man-made beach some 70 feet below them.

“Alyada’s gone under the radar. Not even our Seer knows where she’s disappeared to. Even the Duke is gone, though his brother seems to still be lingering around.”

“What about the Thief I told you about.” She asked, wondering whether or not he survived the fall, purely so she could kill him if he didn’t. The bastard had messed up her plans, the Tenshudo’s plans, and he would pay dearly for it.

“We never found a body. Seems he disappeared under the ocean waves, probably Pugil food.” Aldo said, his tone unapologetic and cold. Karihkinz was thankful for that. She wrapped her arms around his and rested her head on his shoulder.

“Iggman sent word that Xarcabard is crawling with demons. A horde of beastmen has settled in the old castle, and he thinks something big is going to happen.”

“A war on all the nations, plotted by the Prince’s, behind the guise of another beastmen army.” Aldo answered, his gaze moving from the sea to Karihkinz. “I may need you to do some very dangerous things Kari; you’re the only one in the entire Tenshudo with enough skill to pull it off.”

“What’s my next assignment?” She asked.

“We are going to find Alyada and kill her, she’s a huge threat. I want you to go to Xarcabard and visit Iggman. See if he has any news on our little Red Mage.”

“Understood, now come back to bed.” She pleaded, and dragged him back into the Neptune Spire Inn, a weak and fragile structure that housed the only people willing to save the world.


Two
When Devils Cry

Her feet slapped against the cold, hard bricks that decorated Jeuno. The rooftops offered an uneasy, but safe passage through the wreckage and fire. Her breath was hot in her lungs, smoke filling them with every gasp for air. As Lower Jeuno went up in flames, Karihkinz made her way up the giant stone tower, climbing to reach Upper Jeuno.

The Arch Duke’s men had suddenly attacked, setting fire to anything burnable, and crushing all opposition. Giant monsters poured from the once sealed Qufim Island, slaughtering the gate keepers and moving on to the residential area. No one was granted clemency. The streets were paved with blood.

She had awoken sometime in the night to the sounds of fire crackling. Rolling over she had found that Aldo’s side of the bed was empty, save for a single feather placed upon his pillow. A red feather. She rushed out into the Tenshudo headquarters to find it empty and burning. The smell of charred bodies filled her nostrils and she choked back the bile that began to rise.

Gathering her armor, Karihkinz found herself outnumbered by the sheer amount of monsters and soldiers running the streets. They seemed to have eyes that watched every corner, and killing anything that moved.

Settling between the alleyways, Karihkinz moved towards the main street to find a group of Tarutaru’s marching through the streets. Clad in black robes, she determined they were a Black Mage unit. Black Mages wielded infinite power through their magic, but their bodies were racked with disease and lack of strength. There were only four of them.

She could kill them all without suffering a single injury.

She kicked a brick, sending it toppling into the street. Their heads collectively turned, and they began muttering to themselves. Karihkinz used this moment to scurry up one of the walls, and position herself right above the entrance. Using both of her legs, she did a splits maneuver to keep herself elevated. She would make them suffer.

The Tarutaru’s approached the darkness, their wands in the ready. As they entered the shadows of the alleyway, Karihkinz struck. Falling down, she jammed her katana into the first Tarutaru’s head, blood spurting out as his face went slack. The others turned to her and raised their wands, a glowing red light began to emanate above her. She turned to the first one she could find and cleaved him in two, his lower half kicking in death spasms as his upper half screamed in pain. His wand dropped, not stopping the spell but changing its trajectory. The other Tarutaru’s tried to stop their spell, but it was too late. Flames erupted on their cloaks, sending them screaming and crying into the dark.

As she watched the two mages jump off the edge of the street and send themselves sailing into the sea, her bloodlust was not sated. She began to sheath her sword when someone behind her coughed.

Whirling around, Karihkinz barely counted the sword that came down upon her. Using a ninja tool, she tossed a small explosive into her assailants gut. In the small burst of light, Karihkinz saw the maniacal face of Alyada. Her eyes were a bright yellow, with her face contorted in a half-smile-half-sneer.

Karihkinz back peddled out into the open street, readying her katana.

“That was impressive,” Alyada said, smirking. “Not many can take down a small group of Black Mages.”

“You should see what I can do to Red Mages,” Karihkinz said, snarling.

“As much as I’d love to, I can’t really stick around. My plan isn’t in fruition yet.” She said, sheathing her sword.

“What is your plan?” Karihkinz said, her left hand reaching towards her back pocket. Fingering the metal ninja stars, she readied her attack.

“You think that I am a pawn of the Prince, but it’s the other way around. He is my pawn, and once he served his purpose I’ll let him fall to your blade,” She paused, thinking. “Of course, unless I kill you first. Aidyn will serve that purpose then,”

“Who is Aidyn!?” Karihkinz screamed, her fingers wrapping around the ninja stars.

“Oh, I believe you have already met him. Of course, he’d be from that parts that you don’t remember. That you can’t,” She chuckled. “Remember when Aldo said that he had no idea why you were there, and he saved you out of the kindness of his heart? You had a life before this one, Karihkinz, before you became the soulless huntress you are now. Aldo knows all about your past, he was lying.”

“How do you know who I am?”

A slight rain began to pour over the city that was once Jeuno. A grand capital of the people, now tarnished in flames.

“Because,” Alyada said, her voice growing somber for a moment. “I’m your—“

The sound of thunder near Karihkinz cut her off. She strained to hear the last words but it was lost in the booming noise to her left. She turned to see three chocobo’s, giant birdlike creatures, thundering towards her. They were attatched with reigns to a chariot, it seemed, adorned with gold and other jewels. Kam’lanaut was at the helm, but he was fighting with someone. Karihkinz instantly realized that Aldo was fighting Kam’lanaut, upon his own chariot.

There was another chariot following Kam’lanauts, with a ranger controlling the reigns. They were a hundred feet away from Karihkinz.

The ranger drew his bow, his arrow head glimmering in the fire.

Fifty feet.

He let the arrow fly, it hissed through the air—

Thirty feet.

Aldo brought his sword into Kam’lanaut’s shoulder. The Prince let out a horrible cry—

Twenty feet.

The arrow pierced the sky, its aim dead set on something in the second carriage.

Ten feet.

Colliding with Aldo, the arrow split into his skin. He cried out as an arc of blood shot out of his chest, his armor completely obliterated. He collapsed upon the Prince, who tossed him off of the chariot, his body rolling amongst the wreckage.

Five feet.


Three
Touched

Five feet.

Breathing fire, the chocobo’s raced towards Karihkinz. Their giant beaks closing in, and threatening to pin her down with their enormous feet. Aldo was on his still, his back to the events that were unfolding.

She already knew he was dead.

Rushing the chariot, Karihkinz leapt upwards as it crashed into her. The leading chocobo’s head smashed into her side, sending her spinning upwards. Trying to focus, she watched as Jeuno spun around her. She pulled her legs tightly around her body, forming a ball. Her trajectory and range was that of the Prince’s chariot. She would slam into him at any moment.

Aldo.

The sound of wood splintering filled the night as Karihkinz crashed into the Prince’s carriage. Not being able to withstand the force of the blow, the small carriage was suddenly obliterated into three sections, rocking she and the Prince towards an early grave.

She hit the ground. Hard. Her back taking most of the blow, she tried to cry out but only found herself able to whisper her pain. The Prince was motionless on the ground before her; his long, blond hair streaked with red.

The ranger turned his chariot around, scooping up the Prince in the process. He idled there, as if deciding what do with Karihkinz. Through one eye, the only eye she could keep open, she watched as he pulled an arrow out of his quiver.

He aimed, and fired without hesitation. The arrow sailed through the air, with the same deadly precision it had on Aldo.

Karihkinz tried to tense herself for the blow, even try to fend it off, but it was no use. Her body wouldn’t respond to her mind, and she watched helplessly as the arrow followed an invisible line straight to the top of her head.

Five seconds until I die.

Four seconds until I die.

Three seconds until I die—

Suddenly the arrow stopped in mid flight. It hovered right next to her eye. She noticed a pair of fingers on the shaft of the arrow. They twirled the arrow, and tossed it to the side.

The night fell silent, and dark.

Another wall. She was trapped. She turned, and slid down the embankment. The Orcs were right on her tail. Their swords were held high. They screamed their murderous language at her.

Pain racked her aching limbs, she had no where to run to. No! There was a cave. She threw herself into it. She hated this. She hated everything. She would KILL those who came near her. She picked up the first object she could find, a large rock.

The Orcs paraded into the cave, their yellow eyes glowing in the dark. She growled, her mind made up. She would not go down without a fight. The Orcs, however, were not advancing. They didn’t look at her, but past her. They saw something in the cave.

“Hello boys,” A voice said from behind her. The voice sounded familiar, the voice was so familiar.

“Alyada!” She screamed, sitting up straight. Pain shot through her limbs and her back forced her to lay back down.

“Watch ittaru!” A little voice peeped. Karihkinz turned to see a small Tarutaru donned in white robes standing next to her. Her robes were outlined in red, making her seem like a healer and a killer at the same time. Her hair was green, and put into two buns that looked like mushrooms. Her nose was brown, typical of all tarutaru’s, and her smile was gigantic. “I havn’t finished my magic-wagic yet!”

Her voice was soft, friendly, and it made Karihkinz feel it ease. She smiled.

“Who are you?”

“Doc! Who else would you expectaru!?” Doc giggled, her hand covering her mouth as she did.

“Where am I?” Karihkinz asked, her vision limited to the Doc and nothing else.

“We call it Norg,” Another voice answered from somewhere, a man. His voice was stern and emotionless. He walked over to Karihkinz vision, and bent down.

“You!” She said, trying to raise her hands.

“Whoa! Whoa!” The Tarutaru squeaked. “that’s no way to treataru Aidyn! He saved your life, you know!”

Aidyn’s face had changed little from the last time she saw him, as he sailed over the edge of Ru’Lude Gardens. His shaggy black hair and perpetual smirk seemed to be all in tact. However, a scar jutted from his lower ear to the tip of his chin. A new wound, she suspected.

“What?” Karihkinz demanded.

“I know, I don’t like it as much as you do,” Aidyn began, walking out of sight. “but it seems we have the same targets in this little war, and it’s been a couple of days so you’ll need to be filled in.”

“A couple,” Karihkinz said, astonished. “has it been that long?”

“Doc, why don’t you fill her in. I need to go speak with Lion.” Aidyn said. He left the room, and slammed the door.

“Sheesh,” Doc piped. “You’d think someone like him would be a little-wittle nice to someone in your condition!”

"Is Aldo alright?"

“Your spine was almost snapped in two! Thank your lucky stars, ninja-lady! Your armor-warmor held itaru in place. Somehow, you survived long enough for my boy Aidyn to save you.”

Doc completely ignored her question.

“You are a White Mage, right? Can you heal me?”

“No need to say thanky-wanky, rude little Mithra,” Doc teased.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Karihkinz admitted. “it’s just that Alyada and the Prince escaped. I’d like to return to tracking them down at once.”

“Yeah,” Doc stated. “that’s a mess right now.”

“Hm?”

“Well, Jeuno was destroyed. After it had burned a Behemoth just toppled the rest of the city. The Prince made a public statement in Bastok blaming Windurst and San d’Oria for the attacks. Of course, both nations weren’t too happy and are now launching a joint operation at Bastok. There has been a massacre in the Vulkurm Dunes, leaving a lot of the outpost guards dead—“

Oh god, she had to hurry. Keep the children safe.

“—And Bastok is pulling out their big guns. We suspect the war won’t stay up for much longer. Not to mention-wention the weird energy flow in Qufim island. Zeid, a big-bad Galka has been checking it out. Plus the Shadow-wado Lord is back!”

“What?”

“Armies of demons are amassing at the boarders, waiting to attack San d’Oria at moments notice,”

“Oh god,”

“I don’taru understand? The Shadow Lord isn’t a big threat. We, as the Tenshudo, need to attack the Prince and Alyada first.”

“No, oh god no. Iggman is all alone in Xarcabard.” Karihkinz said. Iggman was Aldo's best friend, and one of the only Monks left in the world. Losing him would be a giant blow to the Tenshudo, and to Karihkinz. If Iggman were to die, Karihkinz would...

“Oh no!” Doc said, and ran from the room, leaving her alone to watch the darkness.

Her dreams were not good ones. The most terrifying moments of her life seemed to flash before her eyes. Even moments she did not remember. These still images made her sleep rigid, and restless. She tossed and turned, possibly to stop dreaming. Aldo was dead, the love of her life, how was she suppoed to get sleep?

“Kari,” Someone said. Her eyes opened, groggily at first. Her heart slammed against her chest as she watched Aldo appear in a burst of white light. His body was golden, shaped in an aura of ivory. He smiled at her.

She leapt off the bed, no longer in pain, and ran to him. Collapsing into his arms, she began to sob.

“I don’t have much time here, the gods are very fickle creatures,” Aldo began. “It is all clear to me now, though.”

“What’s clear?” Karihkinz said, her voice muffled by his chest.

“Your true purpose in the world, and your past. Listen to me, you must not fight Alyada,”

“What,” she asked. “and not avenge your death?”

“That’s right, the gods and I forbid it. You cannot continue on this endless duel, I know what Alyada is and why she is using you.”

“Aldo…”

“Kari, put down your sword and forget the fight. This will only lead to more bloodshed.”

“Aldo, I need to know. I have to avenge your death; I have to avenge all the wrongs she’s committed.”

Aldo sighed, his blond hair waving as he shook his head.

“I love you, don’t forget me.”

He collapsed to the floor, holding Karihkinz as he did.

“I’m so scared Aldo,” She said, digging her face into his chest.

“Through your journey, you will discover that dark cannot exist without light, and there are always shadows in between the light and darkness. Alyada is hiding in the Hall of the Gods, past the ruins in the Sanctuary of Zhi’ta.”

Karihkinz held on to him until he was gone.

Then, she cried.

END KARIHKINZ


Iggman
One
Out of Exile

It was cold. In three days the sun would not peak over the dull, gray clouds. Snow blasted the entrance of the cave, sending small flakes into where Iggman had made his camp. A small fire burnt idly, as if deciding on whether or not it needed to die. The cave had a purple tinge to it, rocky, yet cozy. Something had hollowed it out a long time ago, and it had chosen a good spot.

Magic flowed under Xarcabard, causing the ground to be infertile. If someone was close enough to one of these underground magic its blasting heat would scald even the toughest of hides. However, if you could make a cave close to these magic bursts, it would insulate the cave, making it a viable place to live.

Of course, if Xarcabard was a habitual area, only a monk could survive there. Venturing outside was for the foolish, unless years of training had sharpened your mind to the point where you could not feel pain.

Iggman was a monk.

He had been placed here by the Tenshudo to watch, what they thought, would be the beginning of a new war. Although he was not usually a reconnaissance and information gatherer, they knew that he was the only Tarutaru who could survive alone at the edge of the world.

The Beastmen had been on the move, gathering here for some reason. Iggman watched, and Iggman learned.

Demons, or whatever they called them, had sworn loyalty to the Shadow Lord. With them he moved his agents across the globe and founded a gigantic, yet spread out, empire. The City-States of the free people would not have this tyranny, and sought to destroy the Shadow Lord. They thought they had succeeded.

Aldo, however, the leader of the Tenshudo thought the rise and death of the Shadow Lord was too convenient to ignore. He thought that the power of the Shadow Lord and Xarcabard were being used for ulterior motives. Something to do with the Prince, or the Duke, of Jeuno—

Iggman heard hushed voices on the wind. He bolted to the edge of the cave to catch three figures pass into the snowy barrens, heading towards the Castle of the Shadow Lord. Smiling, he knew that this is what Aldo had sent him to look for.

He left his cave and returned to the harsh, cold reality of Xarcabard.

Tailing the outlines in the snow, Iggman forced his mind and body to become separate. Here he was immune to pain, and felt nothing of the ice smashing into his body. Venturing close enough, he caught echoes of their conversation.

“—So she used the Dark Blade to wound you,” A woman’s voice. Sensual and sly, it was as if her tongue laced all her words with evil.

“—I’m assuming. When I employed that thief to retrieve it for me, I’m sure he had know idea of its power,” This was the voice of the Duke. Powerful, commanding yet reserved.

“—Aidyn, did you know he joined the Tenshudo?” The woman’s voice again.

“—Unfortunate, but we have gathered a new member to my cause--” The Prince said.

“—I am only here to fuel the chaos, m’lord.”

Iggman froze. The third voice was familiar. Iggman had heard it long ago, upon the peaks of Ifrits Cauldron. The voice of Truten.

He heard the Prince’s laugh, followed by the confirmation:

“Why yes, Truten, I hear that you live for violence. Good to know, you will be the forefront of my army. Once we raise the new Garden into the sky, we will be unstoppable. Once there, we can call the gods and finally reach paradise.”

He heard Truten scoff, but Iggman was so taken back by the information that he didn’t know what to do. He sat down in the snow, shaking his head. The Prince planned on raising something above ground, a strategic move that would send the world into chaos. No airship was fitted for aerial combat. He would be invincible up there.

He knew that he would not be able to stop them, all three of them, but he had to try anyway. For all he knew, Aldo was dead.

Rushing towards the three figures, drawing his giant cat claws in the process, Iggman felt his chi begin to rise. He leapt into the air, bring his hands together, and throwing a ball of pure energy at Truten’s backside.

Truten, dressed in a black osode, which was a mix between heavy armor that was held together by cloth. He turned, slamming his fist into the ball of chi and watched as it slammed into the snow.

Iggman crashed into Truten’s chest, digging his baghnaks into the cloth. Truten roared, throwing Iggman into the snow.

He finally got a good look at the other person with the Prince and Truten. A Mithra wearing red armor and wielding two blades. One of them glowing an eerie black, the other a rapier. She smiled down at Iggman.

“We’ll let you handle this, Truten.” She said, walking away.

Truten rushed at the downed Taruataru, slamming his foot into Iggman’s side. The wind exited his lungs as he flew to the side of a small dune. Crashing into the snow, Iggman watched Truten remove his osode. Standing bare-chested in the waves of bitter snow, he closed his eyes. Iggman watched as the wounds on Truten’s chest suddenly healed themselves. Blood no longer gushed, and Truten opened his eyes.

“How could you learn Chakra!? You turned your back on the order a long time ago!” Iggman screamed, his tiny voice barely audible in the snow.

“Iggman, you don’t understand. We monks are not guardians of the people. We are not protectors of the old ways. This is a new era, and we monks have been around since the dawn of civilization. Do you not think we change with the coming centuries?”

“You do not have the respite to call yourself a monk. Truten, you live for everything a monk stands against, selfish desire!”

“I live!” Truten screamed, “So I am able to make my own decisions.”

“You killed master!” Iggman screamed back, rushing Truten.

Truten readied himself, and swung hard with his right leg. Iggman dodged it, jumped up and digging his baghnaks into Truten’s leg. Howling in pain, Truten created his own chi blast and fired at Iggman. It connected with the side of Iggman’s face, burning the skin and removing some of his blue colored hair.

Falling to the side, he quickly recovered and rushed and jumped onto Truten’s chest again. Digging his claws deep this time, Iggman did a backflip, ripping all the way up Truten’s neck.

Landing, Iggman was showered in red blood. Truten fell backwards, gurgling his last words:

“You should’ve let me die at the volcano.”

Iggman began to walk towards the castle again, his words falling onto Truten’s dead ears.

“You should’ve hit harder.”


Two
Menouthis

Castle Zvahl Baileys was built by the beastmen horde in the last Great War. It was a mighty structure consisting of a grand tower surrounded by a maze like gardens at its bottom. The black rock that was used to create the tower was jagged, as if it wanted to pierce the sky.

In the distance, Iggman saw the massive tower reach towards the heavens, but as he neared the entrance, the overlook became hidden within the massive clouds. The castle was built on a rise that allowed magic to flow freely from the ground. A beautiful spectacle, but fatal if one were to fall in.

Iggman treaded carefully.

He saw on his way there dead Demons, some of them killed by magic. The Red armored Mithra and the Prince had been through this way. He rushed up the final slope to the entrance of the castle, to find it sealed. Giant rocks had blocked the entrance, even the Red armored Mithra and the Prince were stuck at the entrance.

“—I thought you said this was the way,” the Prince said, his hands on his hips.

“—while you ponder that, ponder this, you always underestimate me.” the Mithra said.

“—simply stating. I hope that he hasn’t woken up yet. We just need to activate the crystal beneath this place.” The Prince said idly.

“Hold it,” Iggman shouted. “I can’t let you go in there.”

They both turned to the Tarutaru that stood behind them, his blue hair waving in the wind, a yellow osode donning his chest, with his fists ready. The Prince ran a hand through his hair,

“Kill him, Alyada.”

Alyada, the red mage Mithra, raised her dual swords. She raised one sword high into the air. Iggman prepared for her to throw it. He had not been trained very well against magical attacks, Truten made sure of that by killing their old master. He would have to be on his toes during this fight.

Alyada swung the sword, spinning on her heels as she did, slamming the blade into the Prince’s gut. Kam’lanaut’s eyes went wide, and his mouth slack.

“You’ve outlived your usefulness, Prince.” Alyada said, a wicked grin sliding across her face.

“You can’t do this,” Kam’lanaut gasped, his blond hair falling in front of his face. “I created you.”

“’When all the heavenly pieces fall into place, there won’t be an Alyada to share with, brother. She’s a pawn, simply a pawn.’ Your words, I think, my dear sweet Prince,” Alyada said, her hand raising the Dark Sword.

“I didn’t mean it, I swear! I only lied to keep my brother complacent!” The Prince pleaded, his voice high and panicked. Iggman scowled, he hoped Alyada would get on with it.

“What you have created will destroy you. Fear not, the Zilart will still prevail. You just won’t be there to receive the spoils.” Alyada said bluntly, and swung down with the Dark Blade. The Prince’s head slid off his neck easier than cutting Selbina Butter. The corpse fell into the snow, leaking a think crimson substance over the white.

“What is all this?” Iggman asked.

“Blood, you know, stuff that fills our bodies.” Alyada remarked, grinning. Iggman frowned, and raised his fists.

“You stop here, I don’t know who you are, but I cannot let you into the Castle. Aldo’s orders.”

“Aldo is dead anyway, only Karihkinz survives him. And she’ll have her part to play soon enough,” Alyada said, turning her back from Iggman.

He used this chance to strike. Summoning all he had, Iggman throw a ball of pure Chi into Alyada’s back. She flung forward, slamming into the rock wall, and coming to a rest.

Rushing at her, Iggman dug his claws into her back. She howled in pain, instantly casting a spell that sent him hurtling towards the ground. He readied himself, and rushed her again. This time, unfortunately, she was prepared. Tossing a binding spell, Iggman found himself frozen in mid air. He frowned.

“That isn’t quite fair,” he said.

“You tore my Tabard, I think that’s fair grounds my dear Monk.” She said, and tossed her hand upwards. Iggman felt a surge of electricity strike him, and he fell back into the snow.

Alyada walked over to him, smiling. She threw a blinding spell at him at once, causing his vision to go a hazy black.

“Now listen to me, my monk friend. I’m going to throw you into the depths of the magic stream. There you’ll find yourself traveling faster than the speed of light straight towards the Crag of Dem. I want you to find a way to the pirate capital of Norg, the birthplace of the Tenshudo. There you will find Karihkinz. Tell her I’ll be waiting at the tower, she’ll know. And godspeed my little Tarutaru. I can’t wait all day.”

She began casting again. Iggman struggled against her binding spell, but only found himself flung into the searing abyss. Pain shot through him, ripping at the very fabric of his being. There was only blackness for his vision, and white pain for his body. He might’ve screamed, but there was no sound.

There was no time.


Three
Vampire

Darkness filled his heart, a deep and terrible longing that seemed to have no end. Loneliness consumed him, writing its passages all across his mind. The teaching of his master seemed to float by him. He reached towards the memoirs, the ancient monk secrets, the power of the Chi…

Are you afraid?

It was black. Iggman stood upon a pillar of pure light, a blue aura surrounding him. His body was covered in blood, seeping out from every pore. He tried to scream but no sound escaped, just an empty sound. An enchanting ring echoed throughout the darkness. He felt his pillar began to rise, shooting straight upwards into the void.

There, are you ready?

He whirled to see a staircase leading upwards from his pillars. The blood was gone, his clothes had been returned, but he was weaponless. Carefully, he climbed the stairs. All around him was murky darkness, seemingly alive, writing behind a veil of black.

Come to me…

Iggman stepped on the final step and the ground erupted in chaos. The black veil was pulled back. Color exploded into Iggman’s vision.

How could I forget this place.

He was standing outside of Ifrit’s volcano. Below him was a long drop into the magma. When the sense of inertia died down, Iggman realized that a sheet of glass covered the top of the volcano. There was no smoke collecting at the bottom of the glass, just the magma bubbling idly.

Come to the center of the circle.

Iggman hesitated a moment, then not knowing what else to do, walked to the center of the volcano. His heart thudded in his chest, not knowing what would happen next. He looked down, feeling his stomach knot.

Now, let’s see if you remember me.

The magma heaved. It rose and fell with a circular rythem, creating almost a vortex within it. Iggman began to take a few steps backwards in awe. Suddenly, a figure exploded from the liquid fire and flew straight towards Iggman. Turning, Iggman ran to the outside of the ring as the glass imploded. He leapt, digging one of his hands into the side of the volcano. He turned to watch the glass spiral silently towards the magma.

Iggman looked up to see a winged creature hovering above him. His skin was melted beyond recognition, forming a black hide that crusted over pink, fleshy tissue. His toes were malformed, making them look more like a birds than anything. Wearing no clothes, the creature’s armor covered his lower extremities with the thick, dark hide. Half of his chest was still human, a soft pink nipple and tender flesh surrounded by the alien armor. His arms where jagged, like the armor had come from within instead of being put on. In his hands he held a giant curved blade. His face was semi-intact, with the hide being fused with the right side of his face. A mane of black hair curved around its skull

“Ah, feels good to be aware again.” The creature said, a wicked smile forming on its face.

“Truten!?” Iggman shouted, the realization hitting him like a brick wall.

“In the flesh,” Truten said, stifling a laugh. “well, new and improved, as you can see.”

“I killed you.” Iggman said, his voice sounding weak.

“Well, not quite. You see, after you tore some chunks out of my body, I crawled to one of the magic spouts. Of course, my body couldn’t take the immense power, and I died. So yeah, you’re right, you killed me,”

“Then how are you here, where are we?” Iggman asked, climbing upon the volcano.

“I know we are somewhere in your mind. This is a memory, from when we last fought. After I killed Tenkaku, you chased me up here and I threw you into the volcano. Of course, you lived, you spunky little Tarutaru,”

“My mind?”

“Yeah, or something like it. After the magic destroyed my body, I became a traveler in it. Just so happens Alyada sensed my presence in the pool, and tossed you in with me. Such a charming woman, she is. Always quick on the draw.”

“So, you’re inside me?” Iggman said, his hands turning into fists.

“No need to fight Iggman. Won’t do much good here. You’re immortal in your mind, or at least, you could make yourself that way. Besides, I sense people around you. Oh! It’s that damn Karihkinz. She and her husband Aldo have been a thorn in our side since the beginning. Of course, me and Alyada had our own plans.”

“And what are your plans?” Iggman asked, his eyes becoming heavy. It was hard to concentrate.

“Kam’lanaut and his brother wanted to get into paradise. Alyada has smaller, yet more attractive ambitions. She wants power, the princes created her that way. She’s hell bent on one goal, bringing Ru’aun Gardens down from its sleeping area in the sky. When she gets up there, who knows what her programming will make her do. Hopefully she’ll hit a snag and create some chaos.”

“Alyada isn’t a real person?” Iggman asked, his eyes almost fully closed.

“Well, you’ll see Iggman. Remember to go to Delkfutt’s tower.”

Darkness slammed into Iggman’s eyes, as he felt the sand of the volcano disappear underneath him.

I’ll be waiting for the right moment.

Iggman’s eyes opened again. A blue sky with slight cloud coverage filled his vision. Suddenly, the tan face of Karihkinz peeked into his vision. Her blue eyes were wide with worry, her hair a mess. She looked like she hadn’t slept in days.

“Iggman, tell me everything that’s happened.”

With a groan he said, “I think I’m going to be sick.”

END IGGMAN


Prologue
Long Hard Road

It had been seven days since they found Iggman. He had, somehow, traversed half a continent to end up at the Crag of Dem in the middle of the Highlands. At first he was groggy, his speech muddy, and his face always slack. Doc claimed that the magic he traveled through should have killed him. Apparently, Alyada’s barrier was stronger than anyone had ever seen.

In these seven days war had broken loose. The refugees of Jeuno had fled to San d’Oria, who had refused to take them in. The poor people pounded the gates of the mighty kingdom until emissaries from Bastok and Windurst reminded San d’Oria of the oath they had signed, the peace treaty between the three city-states.

All seemed well as Bastok and Windurst helped feed and shelter the refugees. That was, until, the Star Sybil was killed. On the second day since Iggman was found, the young leader of Windurst was murdered and her entrails were strewn across the Great Tree. The city-state was in an uproar. Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, a young Tarutaru stepped up. Almost over night he had assumed power of the Windurst people, and immediately sent them off to war. Marching the thousands of mercenaries, the new leader of Windurst, Miros, surrounded San d’Oria.

Claiming that the Prince Trion had murdered the Star Sybil, he cut off supplies from the city-state and ordered the immediate surrender. Bastok fought bravely against the Tarutaru magicians, who somehow allowed this war-like mentality to cloud their minds.

San d’Oria raced to their gates, and held a stand off between. No one moved. Meanwhile, inside the gates, the San d’Orians struggled over supplies. The refugees argued that the food was for the people, and the soldiers claimed that the supplies were for war.

At the end of the fifth day, San d’Oria surrendered to Windurst, allowing them to occupy the city-state. All this happened without a single soldier killed. The Royal Family fled, leaving the people of San d’Oria without a government. Miros, now king of San d’Oria, proclaimed that Bastok should join under the unifying nation of Windurst.

Bastok, being a democracy, refused. A bitter fight broke out between the two nations, Bastok clearly having the upper hand. Now, entering the eighth day, the two nations gear up for a full scale war.

Meanwhile, the Tenshudo had disbanded. Many of the members heading towards their respective nations to help fight. Only Karihkinz, Iggman, Doc, and Aidyn remained. As Iggman explained the story, Karihkinz knew that the final battle would take place in the tower.

Underneath Jeuno, they planned the battle. It would be a long, hard road to the Stellar Fulcrum at the apex of the tower, but they would make the journey.

Chapter 1
Reunion

Qufim Island was a crescent shaped land mass directly north from Jeuno, across the unnamed sea. Most of the land was uninhabitable, with little or no coast line and massive amounts of uncharted mountains. On the south side of the island, however, two small plateaus were found thirty miles above the rocky coast. The flat land offered adventures a small break in climbing the mountains region, plus presented its own mysteries.

A new form of beastmen had been found there. They called themselves the Giga’s, and signed a small peace treaty with Jeuno. The Giga’s were large, mountains people. Their skin was a thick, greenish hide that protected them from the harsh environment. Their structure was that of a thirteen foot tall human, only turned inside out. Instead of their bellies shooting outwards, theirs turned inwards. They had no lips, no ears, but highly attentive eye sight. They could see an adventurer from miles away.

However the Giga’s were a peaceful people. They only attacked those who seemed to interrupt a sense of balance that they had with nature. Unfortunately for adventurers, that could include just walking on the land.

Qufim island also housed two more mysteries, the Behemoth’s Dominion and Delkfutt’s Tower. Behemoth’s Dominion housed the last Behemoth of the world, aptly named King. A ferocious and temperamental ancient, King rarely sought council with the outside world and would kill anyone who stepped into his area. Delkfutt’s tower, however, was an enigma that no adventurer had cracked the secret too. All they knew was it had three levels, was coveted by the Giga, and at the peak housed a dormant crystal.

Karihkinz, Iggman, Doc, and Aidyn set out across the barren sea. Their ship was a rickety ensemble of boards, sails, and nails. Doc had voiced her opinion that the ship would not make the ravaging waters of the unnamed sea, but it was their only choice. The trip would take three days.

Karihkinz spent most of her time at the front of the ship, her eyes scanning the water as they sailed. The weather had turned from a cheerful blue to a chalky grey, with a deep mist perforating the sea. Inside, Doc and Aidyn pieced together a small plan to defeat Alyada, though all of them had decided that the woman was unstable and the murder would have to be improvised. Iggman, unfortunately, spent his day on the left side of the ship puking. The poor Tarutaru had sea sickness.

As the fog rolled over the ship, Karihkinz settled down into a small crease between a said and the ship. Her mind wandered to Aldo frequently, wishing he was here to lead them. Her morale had withered as the three nations went to war, taking any and all Tenshudo that would’ve joined them in this cause. The chaos, no doubt, was part of Alyada’s plan to circumvent and destroy all of Vana’diel. Her reasoning, however, was in the dark.

Someone grunted beside her. She turned to see Aidyn planting a seat next to her, his eyes scanning the ocean. For an indescribable amount of time they were silent, until he finally spoke up.

“I know we aren’t on the best of terms,” he began.

“You did try to kill me.” She said, her voice cold and stern.

“Well, you did try to do the same to me,” he said.

“Self defense, different.”

“Self defense? You attack me first?” He said, laughing.

“Shame I didn’t finish you off.” She answered.

“Now, now. Without me you’d be dead.” He countered.

“At least I’d be with Aldo,”

“That’s no way to talk Kari, you and I both know we need you to kill Alyada.”

“For what? So the rest of the nations can blow each other to Yagudo droppings while we watch from the destroyed Jeuno?”

He had nothing to say. In truth she couldn’t help her cold demeanor. Aldo had taught her that emotion was a weakness, and as any ninja, she was more of a shadow than anything. However, she found that she liked this Aidyn boy. The way he carried himself, the way he smiled. She wondered to herself is he had been in the Tenshudo when she joined, would she have still been with Aldo?

“What’s your reason to live? Why are you here?” She snapped, her temper hitting a peak. Aidyn signed, lying backwards on the deck.

 

[Alyada]

“I had a wife once. She was the most beautiful Mithra in the world, nothing short of perfection. I would wake up everyday knowing that I was the luckiest man on earth. We were Paladins for Jeuno’s royal army. One day we had been protecting a merchant caravan when Orc’s attacked. Our commander and chief left us there, betraying us. We were left for dead. My wife… she did die. Thankfully, Doc saved me from the beastmen and I began living out life as a mercenary. I don’t know why I go on. I know my wife is dead, but I cannot let her death be in vain. She died protecting those people, and all of those people died. Now it’s my job to protect the world, so no one has to suffer again.”

Karihkinz turned her head, her eyes clouded. Here was a man that had lost everything, a man that had nothing to turn to, and yet he continued a fight in vain. She envied his conviction--

WHAM

Something rocked the side of the boat. It heaved to the left, sending Aidyn flailing into the water. He immediately unsheathed his dagger and plunged it into the deck. Karihkinz had already anticipated the attack, back flipping to safety amongst right side of the ship, holding on to a post. The ship righted itself, water splashing everywhere. A small set of doors that lead to the hollowed hull burst open as Doc and Iggman rushed to the front.

Karihkinz stood up, unsheathing her daggers, taking a look at the bridge. The captain, a grungy looking hume, shouted something back at her.

“Sea Horror?” She said outlaid, repeating his words. Aidyn turned to her as she said it.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” He yelled, and as he did, three large tentacles wrapped themselves around the ship. A creature half the side of the ship pulled itself on board, its eight tentacles flapping around wildly. It was an orange color, with black spots throughout the top of its body. The bottom was hidden from Karihkinz, but seemed to be a pale white. All eight tentacles exited from a circular mass that, on top, had four bulging eyes. A cry of pain issued from underneath the creature, where Karihkinz figured a mouth resided.

However, it seemed harmless. It seemed to be stuck on the middle of the deck, and with nowhere to pull itself, flailed helplessly.

“What’s the big deal? It’s harmless.” Karihkinz said, walking towards it.

“Kari! No!” Doc screamed, her tiny tarutaru voice drowned out by the cries emanating from the Sea Horror.

Suddenly the creature leapt high into the air, crashing down upon Karihkinz. She instinctively brought her hands up, catching the underbelly of the beast. Collapsing to the ground, she fought off the massive jaws that the Sear Horror had. It tried to snap and bite her, her hands almost becoming quick and easy food for the creature. Suddenly, it howled in pain and jumped off of her, landing on the bridge nearby.

Aidyn had thrown his digger into one of the creatures eyes, a yellow liquid oozing out of the wound. Getting to her feet, Karihkinz unsheathed her daggers. She rushed at the creature with amazing swiftness, coming down on it hard. She did her best to deflect the eight tentacles, but one of then wrapped around her waist, squeezing. She cried out in pain as invisible talons ripped at her flesh and armor. Blood spurted from underneath the tentacle.

A beam of light suddenly connected with the appendage, sending it and Karihkinz flailing onto the dock. Iggman had used a Chi blast, and now rushed forward to meet the creature head on. He connected with the creatures eye, sending it sliding towards the end of the ship where Doc awaited. Using her white magic, Doc paralyzed the creature as Aidyn went to work cutting the rest of its tentacles off. Yellow and purple blood splashed over Aidyn as he incapacitated the monster. The creature then howled as Aidyn pushed it off deck, letting it slash into the water below.

Karihkinz wriggled out of her own tentacle, knocking it into the water as she did.

“Why did you kill it?” She shouted at Aidyn.

“You know, for a Tenshudo, you should know a bit more about monsters of the sea. A Sea Horror is immortal. No matter what it’ll regrow it’s limbs. Unless we turned it to ash, and Doc doesn’t know any fire magic.”

“Speaking of which, I should really look up on that. Now let me see your waist.” Doc said, getting to work on Karihkinz wounds.

Iggman walked up, a big grin on his face.

“I hope two come up next time,” he said.

“Igg,” Aidyn said, his hands shooting up in the air. “You’re hopeless.”


Chapter 2
Buried in the Snow

Aidyn’s crossbow fired, sending a whirling rope towards the rocky coast of Qufim Island. It hit with an audible shink. The boat settled, dropping anchor and allowing the four heroes to climb straight up to the plateau where Delkfutt’s Tower resided. As the rest climbed, Karihkinz used her natural agility to bound from rock to rock, scouting possible dangers.

The rest of their boat ride had gone relatively smooth. Iggman, although sick, meditated, Karihkinz watched the sea. Doc fished, and Aidyn stole supplies from the ship.

Finally, she reached the plateau. A barren wasteland awaited her. The gray rock was permeated with a thin layer of snow. A few crabs wandered the surface, either not knowing what Karihkinz was, or not caring. She leapt up onto the nearest high rise, looking as Delkfutt’s Tower loomed in the distance. It was made of a white, marble like material. It looked like a giant triangle, its apex reaching far into the clouds. The crystal line, a series of tunnels that magic flowed through, connected to each of the four points of the tower. Somewhere, probably at the top, Alyada awaited.

As Aidyn, Iggman, and Doc reached the top, Karihkinz had already set off across the land, already reaching a small watch tower that sat at the foot of Delkfutt’s tower. She watched as a few Giga’s wandered around the entrance. The mouth of Delkfutt’s stood open, unguarded, and inviting.

“What do we do? Kill the Giga’s?” Karihkinz said, as the others gathered behind a rock.

“Kill them? Heavens no, Giga’s are servants of the tower. They gather to where the most magic is, and set up camp. They gain sustenance off the magic radiating off this place. They are peaceful creatures.” Doc answered.

Karihkinz turned to the entrance. A young Elvaan was wandering near the Giga’s. His tall body frame only reaching half of the Giga’s massive girth. Although she couldn’t hear them, they looked as if in an argument. Suddenly, the young Elvaan began running. The Giga, however, slammed his giant fist into the ground. With a mighty tug, he pulled a huge chunk out of the earth. Using it like a ball, he tossed it at the Elvaan, hitting him dead on. The poor boy exploded in a spray of blood and body parts.

Iggman muttered a quick prayer, making what seemed to be a symbol for life a new. Karihkinz wasn’t too familiar with the Monk form of writing. She turned to Doc, who frowned. Aidyn spoke up first.

“Seems that the Giga are servants to whoever rules the tower. It’s usually open to anyway, the Giga’s are always happy to let people go through. They say it teaches them more about the world. Apparently, Alyada is having them kill anyone on sight.”

“She wouldn’t kill us,” Karihkinz said. “She needs us.”

“Needs you, Karihkinz, and she didn’t specify dead or alive.” Iggman reminded her.

Karihkinz scoffed, and sat down.

“Then how--?” She asked aloud.

“Oh please, haven’t you ever heard of alchemy?” Doc answered, pulling out a small cauldron from her robes.

Aidyn set down his backpack, pulling out a few objects. Ice crystals, beastman blood, beeswax, and a few other liquids Karihkinz had never seen.

“Doc’s alchemy has helped me on a number of occasions.” Aidyn said, helping her mix the ingredients.

“Yeah, like that time a Manticore fell in love with you,” Doc said, giggling. Aidyn sent her a stern look, but said nothing more on the matter much to Kari’s curiosity.

Within a few moments, she had created four bubbling potions. Handing them out, Karihkinz dumped hers on herself, as did the others. As the liquid touched their armor, skin, weapons, it made them completely invisible. Within a few seconds all four of them had disappeared completely. Swiftly, and hopefully silently, they moved towards the Giga’s and the entrance to the tower. Karihkinz was smiling as she made her way past another Giga. They had reached the mouth, home free.

Suddenly, however, a huge hand wrapped around Karihkinz neck. Her invisible-ness suddenly disappeared as she was lifted off her feet. She struggled against the hand, trying to each for her Katana’s. She heard Aidyn unsheathe his knife.

“Oh! Red Woman! I am sorry. I thought you were intruder,” The Giga set her down, his head not staring at her, but past her. “I do hope your friends arrive soon, Red Woman. We hope to teach you many things, yes. I do hope that you will return, Red Woman. We need you to terribly break your hold upon us so we can hunt again.” The Giga said. Karihkinz could detect a faint hint of a smile on its large, and incredibly deformed face. Karihkinz nodded, and began to walk away slowly. She watched it as she left, it waved goodbye to her.

Once inside, they headed up a large amount of stairs. Everyone broke their invisible potions by letting Karihkinz touch them.

“What was that all about?” Aidyn asked, his dagger still in hand.

“I’ve heard a rumor that Giga’s were blinded by magic a long time ago. Their eyes serve no purpose, they can just sense auras from people. Like your chi.” Iggman answered.

“Then they let us pass on purpose,” Doc said, her brow furrowing.

“He called me Red Woman. I think he was referring to Alyada. But I knew he knew that I wasn’t Alyada…” Karihkinz said.

“Maybe you and Alyada share similar chi, me and an old friend also shared similar chi,” Iggman said.

“Well, whatever it was, at least we’re done. Now all we have to do is climb to the top of the tower.” Aidyn said, moving further down the hallway.

Karihkinz walked after him, not being able to shake a very ominous feeling. The Giga knew something about her even she didn’t know. He had also asked her to break the hold upon them. Someone was making them suffer.

Alyada waited.


Chapter 3
Heretic

Karihkinz touched the door. They had reached the entrance to the room where Alyada now waited. The room was a purple color, the white wash walls seeming to take a breath for every step the group took. Aidyn noted that they had reached the belly of the beast.

A few steps lead up to a gateway, a giant arch that was blocked by a door. Karihkinz was the first to reach it, her fingers touching it gently. As a Ninja she was always taught to be wary of anything that impeded her path, for it could be a trap. Fortunately, none of her senses went off about the door. In fact, she felt as if she had been here before.

Her hand touched a rough surface that contrasted with the doors smooth exterior. She could not read the language from looking at it, but by feeling it with her hands she began to read aloud.

“Beyond lies the Stellar Fulcrum, pride of the Zilart. The balance of all things resides here, upon the Mother Crystal that Carbuncle placed upon this world—“

A little below that she found a rougher etching, and read it aloud the same.

“Come inside, the Gate of Paradise awaits Karihkinz.”

She took a step back. Had the door addressed her personally? Doc was already inspecting the markings, her Tarutaru brow ruffling.

“This must be made from Alyada, a personal invitation so to speak,” She piped. “we must find a lever.”

As the three went searching, Karihkinz touched the center of the door. It glowed for a moment, then disappeared from view, allowing the group to step into the dark and unfathomable hallway.

“Battle plan?” Iggman asked, as the walked. Aidyn shrugged, as did Doc.

“We have no idea what she plans to do, we are here for revenge. She cannot fight four on one. We’ll kill her before her plans come into fruition.”

As they walked, the light at the end of the hallway grew. They came to a landing, with stairs leading down to a small, bare area. The white walls continued here, slowing along into a dome structure. Sloping down, the floor was pulsing with a greenish light, similar to the lights in Xarcabard. In the center was a hollow pillar, with a giant crystal residing in an open area. The pillar lead up to a platform, that connected to the dome in three different directions.

And there, clad in red armor with her hat obscuring everything but her wicked smile, Alyada stood.

“Greetings!” She shouted. Karihkinz took off. She sprinted down towards the pillar, using the was as leverage she ran sideways up the dome. Alyada watched her smugly.

As she reached the top, the two stood on different sides. A standoff occurred, with Karihkinz slowly reaching for her daggers.

“Truten,” Alyada called. “Keep them busy.”

[The events that transpired after those words can only be written from the vantage point of two people, Aidyn and Karihkinz.]

Aidyn

Running into the open area of the Stellar Fulcrum, Aidyn watched as Karihkinz leapt up into the platform with Alyada. Magic swirled around them as the giant crystal seemed to convulse as it turned. Drawing his dagger, he turned to Doc who had also unsheathed her Staff.

“Truten,” He heard Alyada say, “Keep them busy.”

Aidyn looked at Iggman, who watched Alyada in horror. He had killed Truten, had he not?

“Igg, what is she talking about?” Aidyn shouted, watching as the small Tarutaru fell to the ground. Doc ran over to him, her healing magic surrounding his body with a white light. Aidyn barked at Doc to keep him alive, and turned towards Karihkinz and Alyada. He needed to help Karihkinz, above all else she could not face this demon alone.

As he took a step forward something crashed into his side. Stumbling, he caught the object and cradled it in his arms. It was Doc, bloodied and mangled. Her breathing was harsh, and tears slid down her cheeks. He turned, his mouth open in a silent scream, to stare at Iggman. Only, it wasn’t Iggman anymore.

Monstrous in size, a winged creature replaced the small Tarutaru body that used to lie in that exact spot. Covered in a black, armor-like hide, the creature looked at Aidyn. It took a deep breath, and snorted. It still retained some human like qualities. The chest seemed to still be that of a man, with a pink nipple contrasting against the black and the pale tissue surrounding it. A mans face permeated the dark skin, grinning.

“Feels so good to be out again,” the creature stated. It then took off running, its giant talons digging into the white floor as it barreled straight towards Aidyn. He dodged out of the way, holding Doc as the creature’s shoulder smashed into the wall. Chunks of the white marble exploded as Aidyn rolled to the side. He tucked Doc underneath the stairs, she cooed meekly as he took off towards the creature.

Still recovering from smashing into the wall, the creature turned too slowly as Aidyn approached. Jumping, Aidyn flipped over the monster. He landed with his back to It, he thrust his dagger behind him and stabbed into the creature. Howling it pain, it elbowed Aidyn in the head, sending him smashing into the floor. He quickly stood up as the creature grabbed his sides. Aidyn dug his dagger into Its wrist, and he found himself falling to the floor. He kicked the monsters feet, and scrambled to his own. As he ran he pulled a potion from his sidepack. He poured it on himself, hoping that it would activate in time.

The creature looked up to find the room empty. Aidyn slipped around it, wary that it could somehow see beyond the effects of the potion.

“Now that isn’t very fair,” It stated, getting back to Its feet.

“Thief…” Aidyn reminded him, making sure its voice bounced off the walls, not revealing his location.

“Well, I suppose now would be a good time to keep you talking, since I can’t see you to rip you to shreds.”

“Ah,” Aidyn warned, “but you were supposed to keep me busy.”

“Technicalities, Aidyn. I don’t follow any Monk rules anymore.” The creature said, smiling as It looked wildly about the room.

“Who are you? What have you done with Iggman?” Aidyn questioned. He began to slip towards the middle of the Fulcrum, hoping to catch a glimpse of Karihkinz.

“Oh, Iggman is fine. He’s just… buried in a volcano in his mind at the moment. My name is Truten, I hope we can be friends.” The creature said, laughing.

“The Truten?” Aidyn said aloud, his mind reeling.

“I see my reputation precedes me.”

“You were the Monk that murdered all of Gusgen Mines three years back. All those adventurers and families. Then you faked the explosion. Just for your fucking bloodlust!” Aidyn said, his blood boiling. His disrespect for life was appalling. This was the terror of Vana’diel. They called him Slaughterer of the Sheep. He only killed innocents. A fallen monk, power does corrupt.

“The one and only, now where is your little Doc friend? I think she needs a good punchin’.” Truten said, moving towards the stairs. Aidyn shouted, and ran towards him, breaking the invisible spell. Truten wheeled, his fist connecting with Aidyn’s gut. He tossed Aidyn into the wall. Blood erupted from Aidyn’s mouth as his body went limp. Truten began to wail on his chest, punch after punch, blow after blow. Aidyn felt his ribs crack, sending harmful shards into his interior organs. He cried out in pain, as Truten brought his hand back for the killing blow—

Something stopped Truten’s hand. Turning, the fallen monk stared a woman in the face. Her features were cold and emotionless. Her skin was a deep gray. Her armor was as black as the night sky, and her eyes burned crimson. She let go of Truten’s hand, drawing her sword. She was Elvaan, tall and graceful, her long gray hair covering the sides of her long face. Truten had a look of horror on his face as she struck him down. He slammed downwards, a spray of crimson erupting from a wound on his chest. Aidyn watched as she turned, and floated upwards towards the balcony above the crystal. He saw Karihkinz and Alyada surrounded by five shadows. He heard a terrible laugh erupt from the room, a laugh that did not match Alyada or Karihkinz.

A white light erupted, shooting through the room. Aidyn looked down to see blood seeping from wounds on his chest. Tears slid down his face.

So, he though. This is the end. Not so bad, I guess.

Karihkinz

Alyada’s white hair hid her face. Her sword was drawn, the hilt adorned in glowing crystals. Karihkinz drew her own blades, her black armor contrasting against the white of the room. She wanted to strike Alyada down now. She had not been directly responsible for Aldo’s death, but she was a part of it. The final part, the final piece.

“I’m going to kill you,” Karihkinz said, baring her teeth. Alyada stood straight up, blinked at her, and then let loose a throaty laugh.

“Oh, you can’t do that Kari. You’d only end up having to kill yourself!” She said, hysterical.

“What do you mean?”

“Listen close, I’m only explaining this once. Around a thousand years ago, there was a huge battle between the Gods and the Zilart, an ancient race of people. You see, the Zilart only had one purpose and that was to gain access to Paradise. To reach heaven without dying, so to speak. The two Princes were a part of that, even leading the campaign. They had a sister, though. Her name was Yui’nalar. She was a fierce fighter, even fought the Wyrm King Bahamut himself. She was the one who figured out how to get into Paradise. To activate the Crystal line and bring down Purgatory, or the floating palace called Tu’Lia,”

Alyada began to circle the hole in the balcony, Karihkinz followed suit. She kept her eye on Alyada’s sword, waiting for her to tighten her grip.

“Of course, as you can see, the Gods prevailed with the help of the races of Vana’diel. They tossed the Zilart into hibernation, including Yui’nalar. Fortunately, the Gods didn’t realize that Yui’nalar was, in fact, two different people. The Princes had split her personality in order to control her. She was a great and powerful magician; some say she was the forefronter of Red Magic. So they split her into two, and the Gods only casted one of her personalities into hibernation. I was that personality, falling asleep for more than a millennia. My purpose, and only purpose in life is to bring down Tu’Lia. Of course, the Princes want to open the gates of paradise and really, I couldn’t be concerned with that. The Prince Kam’lanaut was too arrogant for my taste. He wanted to destroy Vana’diel,”

She looked down, watching the crystal spin within the small, hollow pillar.

“I just want to fulfill my purpose, and with the last Mother Cyrstal residing in Tu’Lia, the sixth and final crystal, I’ll be able to connect the magic flow in Vana’diel, creating a surge that will more than likely pull the Gods from their slumber and down to Vana’diel. Then they will… well, I don’t really give a damn what they do. It is my job to wake them up, and I will do it gladly.”

Grinning, Alyada seemed content with her reasoning.

“How do I fit into all of this?” Karihkinz asked, her voice tense. She could hear fighting going down below. She had faith in Iggman, Aidyn, and Doc’s skills as fighters, but she wanted to help. Not discuss the ancient tales of women long dead.

“You haven’t realized yet?” Alyada asked, her laugh echoing in the dome. “Karihkinz, you are Yui’nalar. When the Zilart had been banished, you awoke and used magic to adopt a new form. A Mithra one. You traveled the world, your mind in tatters after what your brothers did to you. You adopted one personality after another, outliving anyone you got close too. You would just pretend to die, and then wake up with a new personality, a new voice, a new purpose. Your name before this one was Credence, and you were going to actually marry that fool Aidyn!”

Karihkinz stared at her, wide eyed.

“It’s a damn good thing the Princes realized who you were and tried to kill you. As the Orcs were torturing you, ripping you almost into pieces—I woke up. Something strange happened, I found one of the Mother Crystals in the Orc lair. When I touched it, with your body, we split. I became whole. When Aldo showed up, I had already taken my leave, off to trick the Princes into believing that I had killed their darling little sister and become the only surviving part of her. How foolish they were!” Alyada laughed again.

Her mind shattered. Karihkinz suddenly felt her legs drop from underneath her. She collapsed to the floor, her kunai falling from her hands. She looked up at Alyada.

“This is all true? I am no better than you?”

“Pretty much,” Alyada said, grinning.

“Then killing you will solve nothing. I’ll only be killing myself, but I’d rather do that then face my past. If I die then I can atone for my sins.” She said, standing.

“Kill yourself rather than face your past? Atone for your sins? Please, you’re sounding a lot like those damn Elvaan’s and their Altana gospel. Now, watch as I bring Tu’Lia down from the heavens.”

Alyada raised her hands. She began to speak in the same tongue that was on the doorway. Karihkinz could only discern a few words. The crystal below them began to glow, and suddenly the pillar filled with a white light. Alyada began to laugh, and Karihkinz charged her. Suddenly, a scythe flew through the air. Karihkinz ducked, and it connected with Alyada. Her chest heaved as she stared at the scythe buried in it. Blood seeped down her red tabard. She looked up, as did Karihkinz, to see five shadows floating towards them. They were dressed in black armor, carrying twisted weapons. Their faces were slack, emotionless, and their eyes blazed with inner fire. A Galka, a massive creature, carrying a great katana settled on the ground near Karihkinz. Behind him a small Tarutaru floated, a black hat covering his hair. An Elvaan woman landed near Alyada, a giant sword and shield held in her hands. A Mithra and a Hume rounded the corner, the Mithra carrying a axe while the Hume wielded two swords.

“Unfortunately,” the Hume said, his voice seeming to come from everywhere at once. “The Princes did not tell you how when they entered Tu’Lia so long ago that we were there to meet them—“

The Mithra completed his statement.

“We are the Ark Angels, servants of the Gods Genbu, Kirin, Seiryu, and Suzaku, the Gods that slumber within Tu’Lia.”

“The Gods slumber for a reason. They await the awakening of Altana, with the return of the celestial avatars, Carbuncle, Bahamut, Diabolos, Phoenix and Fenrir.” The Galka finished.

“The Prophecy says that the races of Vana’diel will continue to try and gain access to Paradise. Only, we have waited so long for the Fated Children to come and speak with the Gods that we have decided to destroy Vana’diel.” The Tarutaru said, his eyes sparkling.

“Events have lead up to our decision, and Paradise must never be entered. Not even by the Fated Children of prophecy. We will activate Tu’Lia, throwing the Mother Crystals out of balance. We, the Ark Angels, shall be the downfall of the Fated Children.”

The Elvaan stated, her voice cold and emotionless. In chorus, they stated:

“Upon the five sins, Vana’diel must start anew. Arrogance, Envy, Apathy, Rage, Cowardice shall be your downfall, people of this world. The Ark Angels command Tu’Lia, and will let the sleeping Gods lie.”

Alyada collapsed, and Karihkinz felt the light suck her inside with the Ark Angels. She screamed for Aidyn, the only person who could help her. Alyada screamed too, her voice frenzied and furious.

“Do not take my purpose away from me! Do not leave me here without a choice! Do not make me choose!”

Karihkinz was sucked into the light, and then silence.

 

[Alyada]

Dreamscapes

His hand touched hers. She snatched it, clawing out into the darkness. He grasped hers, their fingers intertwined. It was black, insufferably black. She felt his arms go around her, and they floated within the darkness.

“Aidyn…” She said, her voice muffled by his chest.

“I know, I know.” He said, his voice stern and quiet at the same time.

Suddenly, they landed. They still resided in the Stellar Fulcrum, but everything was colored pink. A fierce wind whipped everything, making it seem unfettered, like the whole world would blow away like dust in the wind.

The moment was frozen, she could see herself being sucked into the light that lead to Tu’Lia. Aidyn was next to her, and right above her, battered and bloodied inside a crater in the wall. Doc and Iggman, not to mention Truten and Alyada, were also there and here at the same time. Doubles of themselves.

“This cannot be good,” a meek voice said. Karihkinz turned to see a small, furry animal staring at the light to Tu’Lia. He was a bluish color, and radiated with power. Next to him sat a giant wolf like creature, the same color as the room around them, a deep purple. They looked odd together, but Karihkinz was not going to question.

“Not, this does not bode will with me. If only Altana were awake, we’d have to go to war with her brother,” The wolf said, Its massive jaws curling back in a snarl.

“That is not for us, though. When we made the world we reserved that right for the Fated Children, if that day were to come.” The little blue creature said. His mouth was small, but his voice was incredibly commanding.

“Which it most certainly has.” The wolf countered.

“Seems as though you were successful in bringing them here, though.” The blue creature said, turning. Karihkinz could see a massive red jewel adorned Its head.

“Yes, I’m sure Diabolos wasn’t pleased with me. Snatching six of the Fated Children out of his hands.” He said, turning towards Karihkinz.

The six of them: Alyada, Truten, Karihkinz, Aidyn, Iggman, and Doc, all stared in awe. These were the celestial avatars Carbuncle and Fenrir, Karihkinz was suddenly aware of the information, as they all were.

“Fated Children, I see your numbers are dwindling,” Fenrir said, his voice humorous. “We have already given you all the information we are willing to depart, and that is just our names. We cannot let these Ark Angels do their dirty work. We believe that they aren’t… under the control of the slumbering Gods any longer. We are not certain, though. It will take more than six of you to defeat these Angels, though. We will now impart with you the knowledge on how to seek out other Fated Children. You are prophesized to awake the sleeping Gods, and warn them. However, we think that fighting the Ark Angels will allow you to awaken them, and fix this little problem.”

All of them were speechless.

“Seek out: Realia, Maxmanly, Valandil, Langly, Faule, Garvin, Aither, Chanel, Akichu, Rubiemoon, Eleibfrid, Ruck, Cladius, Ishaela, Mercator, and Zebix. They will be able to fight the Ark Angels with you.” Carbuncle said.

“Alyada, this is now your purpose. You will seek it out to no end, fight along side with those you have tried to kill. You will be given a new purpose after this one. Truten,” Carbuncle said. “You will not be able to fight along side, but we implore you to aid Iggman in this fight. If you do this, the Gods may look to reward you.”

“Now,” Fenrir said. “Go back to sleep.”

Karihkinz eyes suddenly felt heavy, she almost instantly collapsed into Aidyn’s arms.


Chapter 4
Come together now

Alyada thought she had been the first to awaken. Sitting up she found the two sleeping Tarutaru’s: Iggman and Doc. Their clothes looked tattered, dirty, and worn. The sun had just risen over a rolling field that spanned in front of them. A blue sky that contrasted against the rolling green made Alyada smile, she looked down to see that her wound had been healed. She stood up, dusting off her tabard, and checking her items. Everything seemed in place—

Cold steel flashed across her vision, and cut into her neck. Someone drew her close, his hot breath stinging her ear.

“Thought you would just get away while everyone was sleeping, eh?” Aidyn asked his familiar voice a little too loud.

“No, I was planning on killing you all, and then getting away.” She answered, a sneer creeping up on her face.

“I thought so, you ruthless bitch. I suppose it’s a good thing I woke up first,”

“Oh yes,” she began. “Wonderful.”

He released her, and threw her to the ground. Instinctively she stopped herself and swung her legs, trying to knock Aidyn off his feet. Apparently, he was suspecting this and jumped before her leg hit him. He slapped his knee onto her back side, pushing her into the dirt.

“Now! Where do I begin?” He said to himself as she ate more grass. “Firstly, you’re going to help me. Those Ark Angels have Karihkinz, and they just might kill her. That means you die, and I know for a fact that you do not want to die. Secondly, you’re going to stop with the assassination attempts. Try to kill me again and I’ll make sure that you’ll be begging me for death.”

Alyada chewed the grass, vainly trying to blind him with a spell.

“Thirdly, I’m setting you off to find a few of these people. Here is a list, find them.” He thrust a piece of paper in front of her eyes. On it were a few names, one she didn’t care to remember, and a meeting place to find Aidyn, Iggman, and Doc when she was finished.

Metalworks, Bastok.

She frowned, and waited for him to get off. She snatched the piece of paper. Instinct told her to burn it to pieces with a fire spell. Something made her keep it though, as she stalked away. All of the people on the piece of paper were people either she, or Karihkinz had come into contact with. She knew their usual hangouts, and could probably convince them to give their life for the rescue of her… better half.

Scoffing, she left the field and Aidyn behind. She had little choice, actually. Her purpose, as told by that terrestrial avatar, was to destroy the Ark Angels. If she had to be a good do accomplish it, so be it. She could always kill Aidyn afterwards.

**

The first person on her list was Eleibfrid, and she was sure that meant his wyvern, Ember. She learned quickly that Windurst had taken over San d’Oria and was aiming at Bastok. This would give her a few problems, especially if Eleibfrid had decided to fight. Fortunately, for her, she heard in a bar that he was seeking the rumors of a dragon running amok through Gustav Tunnel.

Eleibfrid was one of the last Dragoons, a dying breed. At one point they had served under the San d’Orian king. After his death, the dragons went insane and began to helplessly murder anyone in their path. Dragoons became the destroyers of their once friends, and only a few survived in the world.

Alyada made it to the Valkurm Dunes, and into Gustav Tunnel without incident. Gustav Tunnel linked to the Valley of Sorrows, where it was rumored that a sister nation of San d’Oria had been destroyed. She wasn’t sure, but dragons loved to hang out in this kind of area.

The tunnel was dark. A gray rock surrounded her on all sides. She climbed through the darkness, with only a small flame in front of her for light. After a few moments she began to hear sounds of battle. She watched the tunnel, and sure enough, a bright light erupted from the darkness. Eleibfrid was fighting the dragon. She hurried to the entrance, where she found a deep cavern awaiting her. Eleibfrid had tossed a few fire crystals to keep the care alight as he struggled against the dragon. Alyada looked up to see the colossal dragon in front of her. It was Bune, son of the great wyrm Ouryu.

“You despicable creatures!” Bune shouted, his voice shaking the very walls. “We, the Ark Angels, will destroy you!”

Eleibfrid didn’t hear what the dragon had shouted, but Alyada had. She rushed forward, speaking a spell. Eleibfrid landed next to her. He wore a black scale mail, it seemed to be made out of dragon scales. Bune was as tall as three Elvaans, with a giant head full of nasty teeth. Alyada could make out his enormous wings that replaced his arms, and his thick legs. He roared again as Alyada blinded him.

“What are you doing here?” Eleibfrid said, Ember floating near his side. Ember looked like Bune, but was dwarfed standing next to him.

“It’s possessed. I can see his mind is tattered, more than likely by a common enemy of ours.” Alyada said, rushing towards Bune.

“I do not wish to kill him!” Eleibfrid screamed, thrusting his lance, teasing the mighty dragon.

“No need, we just need to knock him unconscious.” She said, slipping around Bune’s legs. She climbed his back, hoping he wouldn’t throw a tantrum to get her off. Eleibfrid seemed to be doing a good job of keeping Bune’s attention.

Alyada would’ve rather killed the bastard, but if they killed Bune then they would face the wrath of Ouryu at some point in time. A dragon was somewhat easy to kill, but a Wyrm was… a little harder.

Concentrating, she sent three successive lightning spells rampaging through Bune’s system. He moaned, slightly, and collapsed with a huge thud. Alyada stepped off the sleeping dragon, and smiled at Eleibfrid.

“Still here to recruit me for another one of the Prince’s plans?” He said, readying his spear.

“Nah, I got tired of the Prince. Killed him, actually. I’m here to recruit you for something you cannot refuse.”

After explaining the story, Eleibfrid took a moment to converse with Ember. Speaking in whispers, Alyada strained to listen, but no avail.

He turned back to her, smiling, and nodded.

They set off out of Gustav, leaving the sleeping dragon. Alyada asked Eleibfrid if he knew anything on where to find a man named Aither…

**

The rain glistened on his black armor. The devil himself stood before Alyada. He raised his scythe; a wicked grin split his face. He rushed towards her, his feet slapping into the heavy mud. Alyada rolled out of the way, her sword becoming lost in the mud.

“Intense,” he said. “I see I’ve been lacking in my skills lately.”

“Isn’t the title of Dark Knight for those who turn their back on the government and wish to bring peace to the land?” Alyada asked, her breath short.

“Or for the criminally insane, guess what category I fall into.” Aither answered, raising his hand.

Through the sound of the downpour, Alyada could hear Aither whispering the words of a spell. She tried to dodge it, but it slapped into her chest. It felt as if a worm had sudden bore its way into her heart and sapped all energy from her. She collapsed to the ground as a light emanated from her, shooting back towards Aither. She saw his muscles nearly double in size. His lunatic stare pierced her very soul, and he rushed at her again.

Using her remaining strength, she summoned a stone barrier to encase her through magic. She heard him smashing away with his scythe, screaming at her to fight like a warrior. Hating to admit the truth, Alyada realized she was in quite a bind. This man had his owns strength, plus hers! He would rip her to pieces given half the chance. The final layer of her stone lair broke, and she could see his face peering into the hole. He cried out in bloodlust, and ripped apart the ground, raising his scythe. Alyada bowed her head, but rushed forward and smashed into his side. He toppled on top of her, but still gained the upper hand. Using his scythe he forced her to the ground, pinning her beneath it. Looking down at her, his eyes burned with a fury she had never seen. An evil that could only exist in the hearts of man.

“Now, this offer?” He asked.

“Vana’diel will be destroyed if we do not—“

“I DO NOT CARE ABOUT VANA’DIEL!” He screamed, the thunder echoing his cry.

“Fine. These beings are the most powerful creatures in the world. They are servants of Gods, and have the strength of them. If you could kill one, you would be hailed as the Angel Slayer throughout the lands,”

His eyes went blank for a moment, and then he smiled.

“You have yourself a deal, Red Mage.”

**

Gathering the remaining three on her list went fairly quickly for Alyada. Langly was a ninja, sworn to protect the only thing dear to him, Faule. Persuading Langly that it was in both of their interest to join the alliance was as easy as pie.

She just had to threaten to kill Faule. Ruthlessly.

The last character was Cladius, who was an old friend of Karihkinz. Alyada just had to mention the name and he was on board. A loyal Paladin and friend, it made her sick to her stomach.

Bastok was heavily guarded when she and her troop arrived from the Korroloka Tunnel. The Iron Musketeers on duty treated them as enemies, though most of them called Bastok their home.

Alyada and her party reached Metalworks, a giant forge that helped Bastok create its huge wealth. Inside the smell of metal and the sound of steam issuing out of giant burners was almost deafening. Aidyn was waiting for them, his lax expression only hinting at his true motives.

“I found your band of miscreants and,” she looked at Aither. “those lacking in sanity. Now what?”

“We take the Airship to Tu’Lia, the capital of the Gods. There we’ll find Karihkinz, and hopefully the rest of the Ark Angels.”

“And then we kill them,” Aither said, eagerly.

“Keep your pants on.” Langly warned, frowning.

“You all can just shut up, we’re getting on the damn airship and we’re going to Tu’Lia. The Terrestrial avatars are making us go, so we’re going.”

The airships had been used in the Great War. Little modifications had happened to them over time, but they became commercial traveling ships. Cid, head of Metalworks and advisor to President, just so happened to be an old friend of Aidyn’s. He provided an airship for the team to ride upon, and a crew. Leaving Port Bastok, the airship set sail to the capital of Tu’lia, located directly over Delkfutt’s tower.

Alyada stood on the deck, watching the clouds and earth underneath them. Aidyn, Iggman, and Doc had found a few of their own travelers. A Mithra black mage named Rubiemoon, some graduates from Doc’s white mage school: Akichu, Zebix, Garvin, and Ishaela. A young Elvaan named Realia and her best friend Maxmanly. Joining them had been the two Paladins Valandil and Mercator, and their Dark Knight friend Ruck. Chanel, a small Tarutaru ranger had joined them on the way to the ship. They numbered twenty in all.

Sitting on the edge, Alyada held her hat down as the airship accelerated. Iggman climbed over the edge, and sat next to her. For a long moment they said nothing, then Iggman’s eyes glazed over.

“Truten,” Alyada said.

“What are you doing?” A deep voice asked from the tiny Tarutaru mouth.

“Surviving, I can’t let Karihkinz die and I can’t let those Ark Angels destroy my world.” She answered, dully.

“It seems to me like you switched sides. Don’t make me come out again.” He warned.

“I could still kill you if you did. I’m sure no one would be happy that I murdered Iggman, but remember, you lost your power when your body...”

“Don’t remind me. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t switching sides on me. I’d hate to be alone and cornered,”

“No, that won’t happen. Once we defeat the Ark Angels I’ll rush into the Chamber of the Gods and wake them myself.”

“Good, then we’ll kill them and gain all the power in the world.” Truten prophesized, though Iggman’s mouth.

“Of course.”

Alyada turned to the front of the ship. They had passed through a line of clouds. The sky was black, with a storm brewing just above them. In the distance she saw Tu’lia. A floating fortress comprised of five crystal shaped buildings hovering around a larger one, with smaller islands floating around each of the five structures. Alyada knew that Karihkinz was already inside the main building.

“Here we go!” She shouted, and as if on cue, Tu’lia’s defense systems went off. The sky became ablaze with magic being hurled at their small ship.

The white mages shielded the ship for all they could, but eventually a few blasts got through. Fire raged throughout the lower part of the ship, killing the crew almost instantly. The Fated Children were all on the dock, bracing for the impact. They would crash into the giant structure in ten seconds.

Eight seconds.

Six seconds.

Four seconds.

Alyada grinned.

Two seconds…

 

[Alyada]

Chapter 5
Liberi Fatali

The ground was hard, mossy, and wet. It had a pale stench, like the smell of dried wood. Her breath was short; the air seemed to force itself outside of her lungs instead of inside. She felt heavy, and not because of her armor. She reached out, touching the cold steel of her blade—

Karihkinz wheeled upwards, katana in hand. Her eyes went wide, calculating and focusing on her surroundings. To the north was a giant structure white structure, radiating with a blue glow. To the south were open paths that lead into an area she could barely see. To her right and left, however, were two huge walls. An alcove was hollowed out every few feet, and within it stood a machine she had never seen before. It was taller than an Elvaan, with the frame of a Galka. A low hum emanated from it, as if it were meditating. Other than a torso, arms, and legs, it had no discernable features that Karihkinz could see. They were motionless, and a gentle wind swept through the tunnel.

She took a step, holding her breath as she did. None of the golems moved. She breathed a sigh of relief and walked towards the giant structure in to the north. Inside, she thought, the Ark Angels must lie in wait. As her walking became more confident, she broke out into a small jog. The sound from her harder footfalls, however, sent a chill of electricity through the hallway.

Suddenly the golems started moving, their arms rising straight out first, and their heavy footsteps breaking the white marble beneath them. Karihkinz eyes went wide as multiple beams of light shot her way. She leapt from the beam, and up one of the walls. Again, the lasers shot in her direction. Digging into her sleeve she pulled out her tool, Shinobi Tabi, and activated it. A silk screen erupted from it, wrapping Karihkinz in an invisible cloak. The golems seemed unwavering though, as they still fired at the dodging Karihkinz. Her silk screen was singed as she reeled back and forth. She dug into her sleeve again, snatching her last remaining Shihei, and activating. The little yellow paper floated upwards and created three simultaneous Karihkinz running. Mirror images of the real one, but reflective and almost true to life, and it worked. Laser beams erupted everywhere, trying to hit any one of the Karihkinz’s. She reached the entrance to the structure as she ran, the lasers threatening to close the arch way before she could reach it. Diving, Karihkinz made it through as the lasers collapsed the entrance, sealing her way back.

A white plume of dust settled around Karihkinz, leaving her alone with a milky purple light coming from somewhere above. She walked slowly, checking every direction. She was in a white marble hallway again, this time enclosed. The tunnel was big enough for ten or so people to walk through it at one time. It winded up and down, and the purple light became stronger. She reached the mouth, which lead to what she could see, a huge amphitheater.

The area was circular in shape, with stairs leading down into the center, where a stage stood. Around the stage, rising upwards, were sets and sets of seats. The whole thing was colored a bland white, with tiny markings on the center stage. And in that stage stood the Ark Angels.

The Mithra, with her ivory hair, stood in a half pounce, her axe at the ready. Next to her stood the Galka, his bulky frame out of place. The Hume stood with both of his swords drawn, their jagged edges much like his facial expression: haunting and evil. Beside him stood the Elvaan, her silver hair flowing down her back. Floating, disjointed from the rest, was the Tarutaru. His giant hat seeming out of place on his head, but his scythe menacing enough to draw the conclusion that he was highly dangerous.

“Nice of you to join us, child of Vana’diel.” The Mithra said. Her voice was a soft purr.

Karihkinz made her way down the steps, her heart pounding. She had no hope in destroying these creatures… but she had to try.

“We hope you find that this will be the perfect place to watch the end of the world,” The Galka mused, unsheathing his giant katana.

“Why are you doing this?” Karihkinz asked, trying to buy herself more time.

“Because the world is tainted. People are lovers of themselves, lovers of greed, lovers of strength. They sleep with arrogance, selfishness, and empathy. You disappoint us. For years we have watched as you quarrel amongst yourselves, at war with everyone but your inner desires. Your sins must be answered for, atoned, and we will be the trail, jury, and executioner.” The Elvaan said.

“You wrong, there is still love in the world. There are still people who go throughout Vana’diel with the urge to help, the urge to fight for what is right. There are those of us who live to live, not for power or money.” Karihkinz said, her voice tense in her throat.

“But, alas, you yourself are a sinner Karihkinz. You came up here so many years ago, and we threw you from the heavens with your brothers. You’ve changed your appearance, but you are still a failure to your race. A failure to all those you have tried to change in hopes of redemption. In essence, you are fucked.” The Hume said, walking up to her. His voice lulled her, it was tranquility defined. He dropped one of his swords, his icy hand caressing her cheek. She shuddered involuntary, her whole body trying to savor the touch. Not realizing what he was doing with his other hand, Karihkinz ignored the blade it held as it rose over his head.

There was a tremendous crashing noise. Marble and dust spilled everywhere, the Hume left Karihkinz to join the others. She looked up, hoping that they had not started the end of the world to early. A blue, wooded structure came into view. Its hull was badly damaged and singed.

“Alright boys! Time to saddle up and kick some ass!” She heard a familiar voice cry out. Aidyn had come.

Out of the depths of the ship poured over twenty people, their weapons raised and their battle cries echoing throughout the amphitheater. They rushed the Ark Angels, and Karihkinz did the same, meeting the five Angels head on. The fight for the planet had begun.

Smashing into the first Ark Angel, Aither collided with the Elvaan. His huge scythe overpowered her sword, and he swung down on her chest. Her armor deflected all damage, but the blow left her stunned. He grinned with an evil that not even she could comprehend, as he slammed into her again. Maxmanly came up behind her, bringing down his axe. The Elvaan deflected it with her shield, and pushing him away. Cladius rushed her and she dug her sword into his armor. Blood spurted from the wound as he fell to the floor. Then a white light grasped his wound and healed it, returning his strength. Ishaela concentrated all her power on Cladius. The Paladin rose and crossed blades with the Elvaan. Aither was behind her, and he slammed his scythe into her backside as Maxmanly slammed his axe into her left arm, severing it completely. The Elvaan howled in pain, knocking them all back with a strange spell. She snatched her arm off the floor, and connected it with her bloody stump. Dust erupted from around her as a ivory light surrounded her, healing all her wounds. She grasped her sword and rushed Maxmanly, cutting into him as he tried to dodge. His wound bled fiercely, and the young Elvaan went down before the feet of the Angel. Cladius and Aither rushed the Elvaan at the same time, and again the dust erupted from her as her body was surrounded with a strange aura. Their blades did nothing as they connected with her armor, and she quickly knocked Aither away. Ishaela drew her club and rushed the Angel, all the while trying to return Maxmanly to his feet. That moment, Aither stood up and pulled a Great Sword out of thin air. His most powerful weapon, the Blood Weapon. The Ark Angel and Cladius engaged in a duel of swords, and Aither snuck up behind the Elvaan. He waited until the second her aura disappeared, and then rushed forward. The Blood Weapon tensed, and sucked the life force from him as he leapt into the air and came down upon the Elvaan. She split in half, her expression one of horror. Her two halves, bloodless, collapsed to the floor.

--

Faule and Langly rushed the Mithra, toppling her. Realia began casting spell after spell, causing the Mithra to twitch involuntarily. Valandil then crossed blades with her. The Mithra smiled, however, and Langly watched in horror as a giant tiger exploded out of the fabric of time and collided with Faule. The young mithra went down as she grasped the tigers huge jaws, fighting to keep her head on her shoulders. Langly went over to her, thrusting his blade into the tigers side. The tiger turned its attention to Langly, its giant claws clawing into his armor. Meanwhile, Realia rushed into help Valandil, she felt a strange feeling come over her. The Mithra looked at her, winked, and Realia was under her control. Valandil roared in pain as Realia stabbed him, her sword digging into his side. The Mithra brought her axe down on his shield, sending it to the floor. Langly fell to the ground as the tiger over powered him, but Faule was instantly ontop of the tiger, digging her dagger into its skull. It collapsed, as both of them ran back to where Valandil was fighting. They rushed Realia, tackling her off her feet. Valandil fell to the floor, his armor bloodied. Langly let Faule handle Realia as he rushed the Mithra, but something happened when his blade connected, the Mithra blipped out of existence. She turned to him, smiling, and knocked him away with her axe. She threw him to the ground, and raised her axe to stab into him. Suddenly, though, Valandil’s sword passed through the Mithra’s stomach. A look of horror passed through her face, and she swung her axe connecting with Valandil’s head. However, the blade only dinged as it touched his aura of invincibility. Smiling, he brought his sword up, cutting the Mithra’s torso in two.

--

Eleibfrid rushed towards the Galka, his wyvern at his side. Throwing his spear into the Galka’s gut, the Galka slashed into Eleibfrid’s armor. Ember spearheaded into the Galka, only to be caught off guard by the Galka’s own wyvern. The two battled above the fight, each of them evenly matched with the other. Mercator connected blades with the Galka, hoping to help Eleibfrid as he got to his feet. Behind him Akichu and Garvin healed Eleibfrid’s wounds and the Galka noticed. The dust around him flew up as his sword technique suddenly changed three times in succession, throwing Mercator off balance. The Galka’s giant footsteps hammered as he slashed upwards, decapitating Garvin cleanly. The white mage’s body fell slump, bleeding out of the horrible wound. Akichu used a banish spell, knocking the Galka off his feet and back into the eager arms of Mercator, who bashed the giant creature with the butt of his sword. The Galka jumped up into the air, and came down hard on Mercator. The Paladin collapsed to the floor, his wounds seeping crimson. The Galka turned to Akichu, who had disappeared, as with Eleibfrid. In the air, Eleibfrid leapt over Ember and the Ark Angels Wyvern as Ember struck the killing blow, sending the other wyvern to the floor. Eleibfrid came down upon the Galka, smashing his spear into the center of his forehead, Akichu clinging to his back. Both of the creatures hit the ground at the same time, creating a loud thud throughout the amphitheater.

--

The Tarutaru was able to avoid Ruck’s scythe swings, as he teleported around the Dark Knight. Rubiemoon readied her most powerful spell as Chanel aimed upon the Tarutaru’s head. She let her arrow fly, and it connected with startling accuracy. The Tarutaru, however, blipped out of existence before she could hit. When he appeared he hit Ruck, Chanel, and Rubiemoon with a mighty spell, sending their burned bodies to the seats of the amphitheater. Zebix rushed towards them, trying to heal all their wounds before the Tarutaru could finish them off. Floating, the Ark Angel descended upon them and readied a catastrophic spell. But before he finished the last words, something red flashed in front of him.

“You and I have unfinished business,” Alyada said, barring her teeth. “Zebix, get them healed.”

Alyada sliced at the Tarutaru, and he blipped out of existence. She waited for him to blip back in, behind her, and raise his scythe. She turned almost instantly, knocking his weapon away from him and slamming him to the floor. She snatched his tiny scythe, pinning him to the ground as she jabbed it into his chest. He moaned, but showed no signs of dying. Ruck rushed over to her side and casted a Stunning spell. She smiled at him, and then turned her attention to the Tarutaru. She held out her hand, and using her uncanny abilities, casted the highest flame magic she could eight times in succession. The Tarutaru was burnt beyond recognition, as the flames ripped and tore his body apart. Alyada smiled as she got down into his face. With his eyes wide with horror, she tore his head from his body.

--

Karihkinz tackled the Hume. Iggman readied his chi, and as the Hume knocked Karihkinz off of him he let a blast go that connected with the Hume’s back. It knocked the Angel off his feet, and into the waiting dagger of Aidyn. Aidyn sliced upwards, cutting a bloody arc in the Angels face. Seething with anger, he slashed into Aidyn again and again, forcing the blows to connect as hard as they could. Blood gushed from the thief’s wounds, and Doc rushed forward. She concentrated all her power and body to create a giant spell that healed all of Aidyn’s wounds instantly. The Angel turned to her, slamming his blade into her feeble body. Doc felt the blow, but then darkness overran her senses. She collapsed on his blade as he lifted it higher, forcing her impalement all the way down to the hilt. Then the Angel threw her to the wall. Aidyn screamed, and rushed towards the tiny Tarutaru as Karihkinz and Iggman flew after the Ark Angel. The Hume smiled, and jumped at Karihkinz. The two traded blows as Iggman dug his knuckles into the Angels back. The Angel pushed Karihkinz down. His face was inches from her when a red light began to pulsate through it. Karihkinz eyes widened as she scrambled to get away from her. The explosion rocked the amphitheater as Iggman was sent sailing into the stands. He was alive, but hurt badly. Karihkinz eyes filled with hate as she rushed the Ark Angel. His Hara-kiri hadn’t even left a mark on his body. He must have perfected the technique. She flew into his arms, her blades connecting with her neck. The two engaged in a series of blows that left both bloodied and hurt. He looked around to see that all of the others had fallen under the might of the fallen children. Eighteen people now stood, waiting for Karihkinz to strike the killing blow. He turned to her, sitting backwards, laying down his sword. Alyada threw Karihkinz her sword, and winked.

Taking two steps to the defeated Ark Angel, and raised the sword.

“We have a right to live. No one of us is perfect, but the lives we live are not yours to judge. They are for the gods in paradise, who slumber. It seems that we were never meant to understand the rules and power of the gods, and I’m that is probably for the best. The Terrestial Avatars Carbuncle and Fenrir told us to come to this place, and to fight you. We, the fated children of Vana’diel have sealed your fate and done the Avatars wishes. I bid thee farewell.” She said, raising the sword. The Hume Ark Angel only whispered a word to her, and then his head left his body, crashing down with the remains of the other Ark Angels.

It was done.

**

They buried Doc on her homeland soil of Windurst. The war had suddenly come to a grinding halt, as Miros pulled out of San d’Oria, leaving the country to run itself. Many think an evil spirit possessed him, but Aidyn knew that the Ark Angels had orchestrated the entire event.

After the battle Aidyn had carried Doc, with the rest of the fated children, to outside of the amphitheater. The defense systems of Tu’lia had shut down. It became a tomb once again, where the sleeping gods rested until they needed to be awakened again. A glowing light transported them all back to Jeuno, where they had gone their separate ways. In the confusion, Alyada had slinked off, avoiding serious questioning from Karihkinz. The fated children went their separate ways, until the day they were needed to fight an evil that could not be contained again.

The sun was shining unfairly bright across the plains of Sarutabaruta. A small area had become known as the Valley of the Heroes, and Aidyn planned to burry Doc there. She had meant so much to him, become his best friend over the years, and ultimately, sacrificed her life so he could live his.

Karihkinz, Aidyn, and Iggman had been the only attendee’s at the funeral. The Priest of Windurst gave a stunning eulogy, and had stepped down. Gathered around the grave, the three stood silent amongst the trees. Karihkinz linked her arms around Aidyn as he resisted the urge to cry. It had been so long since he had a loss this great, and he wished he would never have to bury another soul.

Looking off into the distance the sun began to set, lighting the sky on fire. Distantly, he thought he saw a glimpse of a red figure standing around the trees, but the person was gone before he could focus. He forced himself to smile.

"Well, what now?" Iggman asked, his tiny voice barely heard above the whispering wind.

"We help rebuild Jeuno, and reinstate a new Deuchy. One, of course, that doesn't involve my family members." Karihkinz said, a small smile on her face.

"I'm going to miss her, but Doc would want us to go. She always told me to never forget the ones I love, but never let them force me to stop living my life. I think I understand what she meant, now. No one will know of her sacrifice." Aidyn said, his voice quivering.

"The pages of history are full of martyrs, Aidyn. The important fact is that we will remember, and our children will remember, and our children's children will remember. The most important thing is that we can live on, because of Doc we can live on." Iggman said.

Aidyn smiled as the sun collapsed into the horizon. The blue collided with orange, yellow, and red. A purple haze settled in, and a new vigor for life awakened within him.

He now had purpose.

 

[Culebra]

Very nice story, I particularily liked the 1st half^^ I like your writing style, post more stories if ya have em











p.s: Decapitated moogle...so very wrong yet so very right :twisted:

 

[Karihkinz]

p.s: Decapitated moogle...so very wrong yet so very right :twisted:

Lol whats funny is Aidyn is probably the last person out of the entire story to ever hurt a fly :shock: which made it even better

 

[Aidyn]

So I was -incredibly- bored at work today, and was browsing the boards. I stumbled across this, and throughout the day I read the entire thing again.

Gotta say Aly, I really enjoyed this piece. And not just because I was a badass Spike Spiegalish character in it.
I'll have to try and talk you into writing something like this again. It was really a blast reliving those days, just by reading this. <3

 

[Rannoch]

I give it A ++, I loved it. Would so read again.


And lolnecro

 

[Aither]

Im totaly like that irl too. All crazy and breaking shit every chance I get, trying to kill cats with scythes etc etc... good read aly! lol

 

[Alyada]

>_>; Dear God. I thought this was lost to the deep reaches of hell... where it should be.

SEND IT BACK! SEEEENNNNDDD!

(thank you for the praise *blush* )

 

[Mercator]

I completely forgot about this, nice read once again.

 

[Miros]

You totally made me bad ass. xD Always a good read. :3